Major changes for Mako

A major reshuffle among the starting forward pack is the feature of the Tasman men’s rugby side named for Saturday’s clash with North Harbour in Albany.

A completely new front row will face up to the northerners, while the loose forward trio is also revamped.

Props Tom Heywood and Kershawl Sykes-Martin replace Ryan Coxon and Sam Matenga while Eli Oudenryn moves the bench, giving Tomasi Maka a chance to show his wares from the start of the 4.35pm match.

Hunter Leppien earns a start at lock, replacing Lopeti Faifua, while Sione Havili Talitui will operate at seven, with Ethan Blackadder replacing Fletcher Anderson at eight and Tayne Hemopo starting at six.

The backline is more consistent, the major change being the placement of former MBC Falcons standout Cooper Roberts at centre in place of Leicester Fainga’anuku.

Onto the bench come Cooper Grant and Brodie Robinson and a new face, halfback Jay Renton, a former Southland Stags halfback who has been plying his trade in the USA.

The personnel changes have resulted from a lengthy injury list, which includes Johnny Lee, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Antonio Shalfoon, Mason Lund, Taine Robinson, Jack Gray, Maloni Kunawave and Matt Lowe.

The team is: 1 – Tom Heywood, 2 – Tomasi Maka, 3 – Kershawl Sykes-Martin, 4 – Quinten Strange, 5 – Hunter Leppien, 6 – Tayne Hemopo, 7 – Sione Havili Talitui, 8 – Ethan Blackadder; 9 – Mitch Drummond, 10 – William Havili, 11 – Macca Springer, 12 – Levi Aumua, 13 – Cooper Roberts, 14 – Kyren Taumoefolau, 15 – David Havili (captain). Reserves: 16 – Eli Oudenryn, 17 – Ryan Coxon, 18 – Sam Matenga, 19 – Lopeti Faifua, 20 – Tone Ng Shiu, 21 – Jay Renton, 22 – Cooper Grant, 23 – Brodie Robinson.