Changes for Mako men

The Tasman Mako men’s selectors have made several changes, some injury-enforced, to their side which will take on Auckland in their NPC premiership clash at Lansdowne Park on Saturday evening.

The experienced duo of Hugh Renton and Tom Marshall were unavailable after being injured in the side’s first match, a hard-fought win over Otago in Nelson. Taking their places are Kahurangi loose forward Tim Sail, who slots in at No 8, and Tomasi Alosio, who replaces Marshall in the 15 jersey.

There are a couple of changes behind the scrum. Back into the starting line-up comes Alex Nankivell, who reclaims the 12 jersey from All Blacks squad member David Havili. Hoah Hotham is back at halfback, taking over from Louie Chapman in the run-on side.

Into the reserves come lock Antonio Shalfoon, loosie Angus Fletcher and outside back Will Gaulter, the latter two set to make their Mako debut.

The Mako team to play Auckland is: 1 Kershawl Sykes-Martin, 2 Feleti Kaitu’u, 3 Sam Matenga, 4 Pari Pari Parkinson, 5 Quinten Strange (captain), 6 Max Hicks, 7 Anton Segner, 8 Tim Sail; 9 Noah Hotham, 10, Taine Robinson, 11 Macca Springer, 12 Alex Nankivell, 13 Levi Aumua, 14 Timoci Tavatavanawai, 15 Tomasi Alosio. Sparkies: Quentin MacDonald, Ryan Coxon, Atu Moli, Antonio Shalfoon, Angus Fletcher, Louie Chapman, Tim O’Malley, Will Gualter.

The match kicks off at 7.05pm.

Prior to the main event two other matches will be played. Marlborough’s Red Devils will take on Nelson Bays, with a 4.35pm kick-off, while the Tasman Mako under-19 side will play their Wellington counterparts at 3.20pm.

The Mako women are in action on Sunday, meeting Manawatu in Palmerston North, kick off 2.05pm.