Mako named to play Counties-Manukau

Rather than feeling daunted at the prospect of playing their third Mitre 10 Cup game in nine days, the Tasman Mako are looking forward to testing themselves against Counties Manukau at Trafalgar Park on Sunday.

BY PETER JONES [Marlborough App]

Although some of the Mako men are a little battered and bruised following Friday’s 53-17 win over Taranaki, then their 29-19 victory over Manawatu on Wednesday, head coach Leon MacDonald says they are raring to go.

Powerhouse prop Tyrel Lomax is back in the starting XV. 

"The boys are still fresh … we had a good training today, there is a good buzz around the group. They enjoy the short week, they don’t need to train so much,” he added with a chuckle.

MacDonald and his fellow selectors have made several changes to the previous starting line-up for Sunday’s encounter.

Into the front row comes hooker Ray Niuia and tight head prop Tyrel Lomax, Pari Pari Parkinson returns at lock, Jed Brown has recovered from injury to recapture the seven shirt while the promising Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta will pack down at No 8 instead of Taina Fox-Maatamua.

In the backs, Mitch Hunt reclaims the 10 shirt, skipper David Havili returns to midfield, Tima Fainganuku replaces a "battered and bruised” Solomon Alaimalo on the left wing with Will Jordan back at fullback, in place of Havili.

Isaac Salmon joins Makalio and Ryan Coxon on the bench, alongside John Akauolo-Laula and Sione Havili, with Jack Grooby, Willie Havili and Alex Nankivell covering the backline reserves.

MacDonald said some of the changes were enforced, others were to preserve tired bodies.

He noted that Cirikidaveta, who will make his starting debut this season, had been training well and "earned his chance”, while the selectors felt it was time to give Willie Havili, a star in club rugby for the Nelson club, a chance to show his wares.

MacDonald felt the Mako had done well in parts on Wednesday, especially with so many team changes being made, but had some areas to tidy up.

"Given the short turnaround you don’t get a lot of time to practice these things – that’s been a bit of a challenge.

"We played Wednesday, travelled Thursday, trained Friday, have a captain’s run tomorrow and then play again on Sunday, so it’s all go.

"We stuttered a bit against Manawatu … perhaps highlighting the fact we have work to do in bringing some other players up to pace … but overall we are travelling alright.”

The Steelers have beaten just Southland and Hawke’s Bay so far this season and sit close to the premiership relegation zone, making them a dangerous proposition.

"Counties are Counties,” said MacDonald. "They have powerful ball runners. There game relies on their big forwards getting momentum then giving the ball to their backs – trying to create one-on-ones and space … we have been on the receiving end of some hidings from them in recent years so are definitely very aware of the threat they bring.”

Kick off is at 2.05pm.

Tasman: 1. Wyatt Crockett, 2. Ray Niuia, 3. Tyrel Lomax, 4. Pari Pari Parkinson, 5. Quinten Strange, 6. Ethan Blackadder, 7. Jed Brown, 8. Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta; 9. Finlay Christie, 10. Mitchell Hunt, 11. Tima Faingaanuku, 12. David Havili (captain), 13. Levi Aumua, 14. Jamie Spowart, 15. Will Jordan.
Substitutes: 16. Andrew Makalio, 17. Ryan Coxon, 18. Isaac Salmon, 19. John Akauolo-Laula, 20 Sione Havili, 21. Jack Grooby, 22. Willie Havili, 23. Alex Nankivell.

Counties Manukau: 1.Howard Sililoto, 2. Joseph Royal, 3. Coree Te Whata-Colley, 4. Viliame Rarasea, 5. Matiaha Martin (captain), 6. Mathew Vaai, 7. Fotu Lokotui, 8. Daniel Hyatt; 9. Te Aihe Toma, 10. Latiume Fosita, 11. Tevita Nabura, 12. Orbyn Leger, 13. Nigel Ah Wong, 14. Toni Pulu, 15. Etene Nanai-Seturo.

Reserves: 16. Gafatasi Su’a, 17. Sean Bagshaw, 18. Jarrod Firth, 19. Daymon Leasuasu, 20. Sikeli Nabou, 21. Liam Daniela 22. Luteru Laulala 23. Sione Molia.

Premiership table (as at September 21): Auckland 24, Tasman 24, Wellington 22, Canterbury 22, North Harbour 14, Counties Manukau 13, Taranaki 10.

Women to show way

The Tasman Mako women will play the curtain-raiser to the men’s match on Sunday.

They will meet Farah Palmer Cup championship leaders Wellington at Trafalgar Park, the match kicking off at 11.35am.

After opening their season with a big win over Taranaki, the Mako women have suffered heavy defeats to Auckland and North Harbour, so will be keen to get their campaign back on track.