Thu, Oct 28, 2021 11:00 AM

Mako side named for Canterbury match

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Peter Jones

The Tasman Mako selectors have returned to a more familiar line-up for their Bunnings NPC premiership clash with Canterbury on Friday evening.

After giving several rookies a run in a non-competition match against Bay of Plenty in Nelson on October 17, they have returned to a more familiar line-up for what has turned into a must-win match against the Red and Blacks.

Andrew Makalio returns to bolster the front row while NZ Maori representative Pari Pari Parkinson is back at lock. Still absent however is co-captain Quinten Strange, with Antonio Shalfoon being given the No 5 jersey. Anton Segner comes back in the seven shirt, while Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta is chosen at No 8 in the on-going absence of Shannon Frizell who has joined the All Blacks for their northern tour.

There are two changes in the backline from the team that challenged for the Ranfurly Shield, Louie Chapman replaces Jack Grooby at halfback, the latter moving to the reserves bench, while NZ Sevens star Andrew Knewstubb did enough against Bay of Plenty to earn a starting position at fullback.

Although Canterbury are struggling for positives at present, an unusual situation for them, they present a major threat, especially on their home ground.

Tasman currently hold fourth place on the table, with Canterbury just a point behind. A win over the Red and Blacks, followed by victory over Wellington in Blenheim the following weekend, would assure the Mako a play-off position and potentially a home semi.

The Mako team to play Canterbury at Orangetheory Stadium, Christchurch on Friday, kick-off 7.05pm, is: 1 Isi Tu’ungafasi, 2 Andrew Makalio, 3 Sam Matenga, 4 Pari Pari Parkinson, 5 Antonio Shalfoon, 6 Hugh Renton, 7 Anton Segner, 8 Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta; 9 Louie Chapman, 10 Mitch Hunt (co-captain), 11 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 12 Alex Nankivell, 13 Levi Aumua, 14 Timoci Tavatavanawai, 15 Andrew Knewstubb.

Sparkies (bench): Quentin MacDonald, Luca Inch, Isaac Salmon, Max Hicks, Jacob Norris, Jack Grooby, Tim O’Malley, Regan Ware.

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