Mako line-up tweaked for tomorrow's Waikato clash

The Tasman Mako selectors have made several changes, both back and forward, to the side that defeated Northland 48-29 in their first hit-out since coming leaving lockdown.

The forward pack has been re-jigged for tomorrow evening’s Bunnings NPC clash with Waikato at Trafalgar Park. Into the front row come loosehead prop Ryan Coxon, replacing Isi Tu’ungafasi who shifts to the bench, and experienced hooker Quentin MacDonald, who comes in for Sam Moli.

In the loose forward mix, workhorse Hugh Renton steps in for the injured Sione Havili Talitui, alongside Jacob Norris and All Black Shannon Frizell.

The backline is also tweaked, Leicester Fainga’anuku moving from centre to right wing in place of Mark Telea, while Levi Aumua will wear the No 13 shirt.

Two experienced campaigners are included among the forward reserves. Crusaders’ hooker Andrew Makalio returns after long-term injury, joining former All Black Atu Moli to add some major impact off the bench.

Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, who played for the Tasman Development side on Sunday, will cover lock, while the versatile Willie Havili has been added to the bench backline mix, along with the exciting Macca Springer, who will make his NPC debut if required.

Waikato made a flying start to the campaign, beating North Harbour 28-15 in round one, then Wellington 43-37 in week two. After the lay-off they went down 20-19 to Canterbury in a controversial match.

They currently sit second behind Tasman on the table and are full of confidence. They will test the reigning champion’s defensive qualities right across the park.

The Mako team to play Waikato in Nelson on Friday, kick-off 7.05pm, is: 1 Ryan Coxon, 2 Quentin MacDonald, 3 Sam Matenga, 4 Pari Pari Parkinson, 5 Quinten Strange (co-captain), 6 Hugh Renton, 7 Jacob Norris, 8 Shannon Frizell; 9 Jack Grooby, 10 Mitch Hunt (co-captain), 11 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 12, Tim O’Malley, 13 Levi Aumua, 14 Jim Tavatavanawai, 15 Tom Marshall.

Sparkies (bench): Andrew Makalio, Isi Tu’ungafasi, Atu Moli, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Anton Segner, Louie Chapman, Willie Havili, Macca Springer.

There will be no public ticket sales due to COVID alert levels. The game will be televised on SKY SPORT.

Meanwhile, the Tasman Mako women will resume their Farah Palmer Cup championship season on Sunday, September 26, taking on the Manawatu Cyclones at Trafalgar Park, Nelson, with a 11.35am kick-off.