Mako teamed named to play Northland

Saturday 14 September, 2.05pm

Trafalgar Park, Nelson

Mako make changes before must-win match

By Jack Malcolm [ Nelson App]

The Tasman Mako selectors have made several changes to their side for Saturday’s must-win match against Northland at Nelson’s Trafalgar Park.

Despite their brave effort against Auckland last weekend, there are three changes in the forward pack.

Into the front row comes hooker Andrew Makalio, relegating last week’s skipper Quentin MacDonald to the bench, while Luca Inch comes in at tight head prop for Sam Matenga.

Skipper Quentin Strange makes a welcome return in the middle row, partnering Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta at lock, with Max Hicks moving to the side of the scrum, in place of the impressive Viliami Napa’a.

There is just one alteration to the backline, Taine Robinson slotting back in at fullback for Tomasi Alosio.

At the moment Tasman, who have just two games remaining in pool play, have a tenuous hold on a quarterfinal position, sitting fourth, one point ahead of the Taniwha who have a game in hand.

A bonus point win on Saturday would go a long way towards booking a play-off position, although Northland have shown this season they are a tough proposition, beating Taranaki, Wellington, Southland and Auckland.

The Mako team to take on Northland on Saturday: 1 Kershawl Sykes Martin, 2 Andrew Makalio, 3 Luca Inch, 4 Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, 5 Quinten Strange (captain), 6 Max Hicks, 7 Fletcher Anderson, 8 Sione Havili; 9 Noah Hotham, 10 Willie Havili, 11 Macca Springer, 12 Alex Nankivell, 13 Levi Aumua, 14 Fetuli Paea, 15 Taine Robinson.

Sparkies: Quentin MacDonald, Ryan Coxon, Atu Moli, Moni Ngakuru, Viliami Napa’a, Louie Chapman, Campbell Parata, Timoci Tavatavanawai. Kick off 2.05pm.