Mako team for Friday

The Mako selectors have again tweaked their side as they head into a must-win clash with Southland in Invercargill on Friday evening.

After suffering three close losses in a row, the Mako are desperate for a morale-boosting win and have made several small changes to the side which went down to Waikato last weekend.

Into the locking position comes Hunter Leppien, who has been impressive when given the opportunity.

In the only other starting line-up change among the forwards, Tayne Hemopo replaces Lopeti Faifua on the blindside flank.

In the backline, William Havili will start in the 10 jersey, Cooper Grant moving back to the bench, while Levi Aumua comes back in for Leicester Fainga’anuku. Macca Springer, who was named to start against Waikato but pulled out late, returns on the left wing.

Of note is the fact Sione Havili Talitui will be playing his 50^th match for the Mako.

The team is: 1 – Ryan Coxon, 2 – Tomasi Maka, 3 – Sam Matenga, 4 – Quinten Strange, 5 – Hunter Leppien, 6 – Tayne Hemopo, 7- Sione Havili Talitui, 8 – Fletcher Anderson, 9 – Jay Renton, 10 – William Havili, 11 – Macca Springer, 12 – Levi Aumua, 13 – Cooper Roberts, 14 – Kyren Taumoefolau, 15 – David Havili (captain). Reserves: 16 – Eli Oudenryn, 17 – Monu Moli, 18 – Quinn Harrison-Jones, 19 – Antonio Shalfoon, 20 – Lopeti Faifua, 21 – Wil Thornalley, 22 – Cooper Grant, 23 – Jack Gray.

The match kicks off at 7.10pm.