New-look Tasman side named

The Tasman Mako selectors have named an experimental line-up to take on Bay of Plenty in a non-championship NPC encounter at Trafalgar Park on Sunday.

With many of the Mako regulars rested, the latest selection opens the door to four players on debut and features a new captain and vice-captain.

Players on debut are loose head prop Matt Graham-Williams, first five Campbell Parata, fullback Andrew Knewstubb and reserve halfback Noah Hotham.

Lock Antonio Shalfoon will lead the side, with midfielder Taine Robinson as vice captain.

Just one forward remains from last weekend’s failed Ranfurly Shield bid, loosie Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta taking the No 8 jersey. Making a return to the fold is former favourite Tevita Koloamatangi, who slots in at seven.

Behind the scrum only Alex Nankivell and Timoci Tavatavanawai return from the McLean Park match.

With tough matches against Canterbury and Wellington to come before the NPC semis, Tasman’s selectors have taken the opportunity to give some players a break while offering others the chance to make a name for themselves.

The Mako team to play Bay of Plenty at Trafalgar Park, Nelson on Sunday, kick-off 4.05pm, is: 1 Matt Graham-Williams, 2 Sam Moli, 3 Luca Inch, 4 Mahonri Ngakuru, 5 Antonio Shalfoon (captain), 6 Maxwell Hicks, 7 Tevita Koloamatangi, 8 Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta; 9 Louie Chapman, 10 Campbell Parata, 11 Macca Springer, 12 Taine Robinson (vice captain), 13 Alex Nankivell, 14 Timoci Tavatavanawai, 15 Andrew Knewstubb.

Sparkies (bench): Quentin MacDonald, Isi Tu’ungafasi, Sam Matenga, Hugh Renton, Jacob Norris, Noah Hotham, Tim O’Malley, Willie Havili.