Tasman Mako named to play Otago in Dunedin

Following a form line based on games against Auckland at Eden Park this season, Otago should start as favourite against the Tasman Mako on Sunday afternoon.

BY PETER JONES [Marlborough App]

In early September Tasman went down 36-10 to the Aucklanders, their only reverse of the season so far, while Otago upset the form book with a thrilling 31-26 victory in the City of Sails a week ago.

Halfback Jack Grooby has been given a starting role against Otago.

The TAB however have other ideas. They have the Mako paying just $1.37 for the win with the home side at $3.05 – odds which are probably closer to the mark.

Although championship contender Otago are travelling well this season, and are always tough under the roof at Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium, premiership front-runners Tasman look a safer bet.

The vastly-experienced Wyatt Crockett has been in outstanding form. 

However the Mako selectors are taking no chances, their team selection for Sunday’s encounter reflecting the fact that the business end of the season is upon us.

The starting forward pack that paved the way for their previous win, a 28-22 victory over Wellington in the capital, remains intact, meaning rookie flanker Jacob Norris, who dotted down against the Lions, retains his position. There is back-up on the bench this week with Braden Stewart available again after a long injury lay-off and a managed return to action through the B team’s campaign.

In the backs, halfback Jack Grooby is preferred over Finlay Christie, who took a few knocks in the previous game and will come off the bench.

Winger Solomon Alaimalo is out with a hamstring injury, in-form Tasman B player Tomas Aoake coming onto the left wing in his place. Tima Faingaanuku retains the right wing position, with his younger brother Leicester being added to the bench and set to make his debut, after also recovering from long-term injury and playing 50 minutes for Tasman B last week.

Alex Nankivell is out, likely for the season, with a facial injury, leaving Tim O’Malley as midfield cover on the bench.

Otago are in their "storm week”, having played Auckland last Friday, then Bay of Plenty, who they beat 45-34 on Wednesday, before meeting the Mako on Sunday.

Head coach Leon MacDonald described Otago as a dangerous opponent. "Like the scarfies down there, they are able to live off scraps,” he said.

"They just seem to find a way to win and are pretty tenacious, show a lot of character. We battle against them every year … it’s never been easy against them.

"And of course every game becomes critical at this time of year, there’s a lot riding on it. We need the win to get into the play-offs and start pushing for a home semi.”

The Otago team had not yet been named but it is likely to include two faces familiar to Tasman fans, winger Mitchell Scott and prop Tom Hill both being former Mako players.

The match kicks off at 4.35pm on Sunday.

Tasman: 1 Wyatt Crockett, 2 Andrew Makalio, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 4 Pari Pari Parkinson, 5 Quinten Strange, 6 Ethan Blackadder, 7 Jacob Norris, 8 Taina Fox-Matamua; 9 Jack Grooby, 10 Mitchell Hunt, 11 Tomas Aoake, 12 David Havili (captain), 13 Levi Aumua, 14 Tima Faingaanuku, 15 Will Jordan.
Substitutes: 16 Ray Niuia, 17 Ryan Coxon, 18 Blair Prinsep, 19 John Akauolo-Laula, 20 Braden Stewart, 21 Finlay Christie, 22 Tim O’Malley, 23 Leicester Faingaanuku.

Premiership table (as at October 5): Auckland 36, Tasman 33, Canterbury 32, Wellington 29, North Harbour 24, Counties Manukau 15, Taranaki 13.