Mako NPC team named to play Otago

Saturday 13 August, 2.05pm

Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

By Peter Jones [Marlborough App]

Tasman have made minimal changes to their team for the forthcoming Bunnings NPC rugby clash with Otago at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

There are three variations up front. Veteran hooker Quentin MacDonald replaces Andrew Makalio, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta comes in for Mahonri Ngakuru at lock while Hugh Renton takes over from No 8 Anton Segner, who suffered a head knock against Southland on Sunday.

There is just one change in the backline, Louie Chapman replacing Noah Hotham at halfback.

Onto the bench come Sam Moli as back-up hooker and utility back Fetuli Paea for new face Noah Foster.

Otago will be a dangerous opponent. In their first match they suffered a narrow loss to Counties Manukau in Pukekohe, showing plenty of attacking flair and depth.

Tasman will be keen to atone for a lack-lustre second half display against the Stags, but showed enough in the first 40 to suggest they are capable of producing effective, attacking rugby.

The Mako team to take on Otago in Dunedin on Southland on Sunday: 1 Ryan Coxon, 2 Quentin MacDonald, 3 Luca Inch, 4 Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, 5 Quinten Strange (captain), 6 Max Hicks, 7 Sione Havili, 8 Hugh Renton; 9 Louie Chapman, 10 Campbell Parata, 11 Macca Springer, 12 Alex Nankivell, 13 Levi Aumua, 14 Timoci Tavatavanawai, 15 Taine Robinson. Sparkies: Sam Moli, Matt Graham Williams, Sam Matenga, Mahonri Ngakuru, Braden Stewart, Noah Hotham, Fetuli Paea, Willie Havili. Kick off 2.05pm.