Mako teams named for Sunday matches

The Tasman Mako men’s selectors have named a side packed full of experience for their Bunnings NPC rugby opener against Bay of Plenty in Tauranga on Sunday.

Amid several veterans from the previous successful campaign of 2019 and 2020 are two players making their NPC debut. The promising Antonio Shalfoon comes in at lock alongside Pari Pari Parkinson, while Timoci Tavatavanawai, who lit up the pre-season games, gets the nod on the right wing.

Finlay Christie, released from All Black duties, will slot in at halfback. Veteran Tom Marshall will wear the 15 jersey as he makes his NPC return after several seasons abroad.

Mitch Hunt will captain the run-on side, with co-captain Quinten Strange in the reserves.

Tasman Mako:1 Isi Tu’ungafasi, 2 Quentin MacDonald, 3 Isaac Salmon, 4 Pari Pari Parkinson, 5 Antonio Shalfoon, 6 Sione Havili Talitui, 7 Jacob Norris, 8 Hugh Renton; 9 Finlay Christie, 10 Mitch Hunt (co-captain), 11 Mark Telea, 12 Tim O’Malley, 13 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 14 Timoci Tavatavanawai, 15 Tom Marshall. Sparkies (bench): Sam Moli, Atu Moli, Sam Matenga, Quinten Strange (co-captian), Anton Segner, Louie Chapman, Levi Aumua, Fetuli Paea. Kick-off 2.05pm.

The Tasman Mako women have also named their team to play at home for the first time during their Farah Palmer Cup campaign. They meet Northland in Motueka on Sunday, the match kicking off at 12.05pm.

Tasman Mako women: 15 Eleri James-Sitters, 14 Michelle Miler-Leef, 13 Sophie Hart, 12 Sydnee Wilkins, 11 Eve Findlay 10 Karla Wright-Akeli, 9 Demi Salton, 8 Jess Harvie, 7 Sui Pauaraisa (vice-captain), 6 Tamara Silcock, 5 Jess Foster-Lawrence (captain), 4 Easter Savekio, 3 Raumati Rogers, 2 Anna Bradley, 1 Erana Te Moananui. Bench: Kate Nightingale, Jamee Te Moananui, Kate Silcock, Tanita Garnett, Neve Anglesey, Hannah Kelly, Jamie Paenga, Lesieli Taufa.