Latest signing boosts Mako backline stocks

If winning back-to-back NPC premiership titles was not enough to underline Tasman’s growing status as one of the nation’s provincial rugby powerhouses, the naming of the first All Blacks squad for 2021 confirmed it.

Seven Tasman players were included in the 36-man squad, comfortably the highest representation from any provincial union. Tyrel Lomax, Shannon Frizell, David Havili, Will Jordan and Sevu Reece have worn the fern before, while Ethan Blackadder and Finlay Christie are newcomers to the exclusive club.

Traditionally, All Blacks squads have been dominated by players from such fertile rugby breeding grounds as Auckland, Canterbury, Wellington, Otago and Waikato. Now the country’s newest union has become a major player. Six of the seven Tasman All Blacks played their first provincial match in Mako colours, illustrating the fact that the pathway to the top is now very accessible to those outside the big cities.

Of course, in the modern era, being chosen at the top level generally precludes participation in the NPC, meaning Tasman will lose seven players from their roster as they bid for a ‘three-peat’ of premiership titles.

However, as the team and their management have shown in recent times, their ability to develop and adapt to changing circumstances and personnel is a key component in their success.

Just two of their 2021 All Blacks, Havili and Christie, were part of the team which so dramatically claimed last year’s NPC title at Eden Park and, while they will be sorely missed, their absence merely opens the door for others.

The return to full time action this year of former All Blacks prop Atu Moli, plus locks Pari Pari Parkinson and Quinten Strange, whose 2020 seasons were blighted by injury will add heft and experience to the tight five. Strange is a likely captaincy option with Havili back in black, with Mitch Hunt another possibility.

The absence of the talismanic Havili has been offset by a recent signing.

Utility back Tom Marshall made 45 appearances for Tasman from 2010-14, scoring 124 points. He also represented both the Crusaders and Chiefs. Before playing in both England and Japan. The 30-year-old is a Nelson College old boy and provides a similar skill set to Havili, a fact Gray Cornelius, one of the Mako coaching team, appreciates.

“It’s good to have someone like Tom who is experienced both in midfield and at the back and has been around the traps. He’s tough and a local lad too … we are pretty lucky to have him on our books, and he’s stoked to be back.”

The Mako selectors will also be buoyed by the performances of several of their contracted crew during the Super Rugby season. Loosies Hugh Renton and Sione Havili Talitui were standouts for the Highlanders and Crusaders respectively, Alex Nankivell shone in the Chiefs’ midfield while wide men Mark Telea (Blues) and Leicester Fainga’anuku (Crusaders) were among the top wingers on show.

Outside back Fetuli Paea, one of the big improvers in 2020, was injured for most of the Super Rugby season with the Highlanders but is expected to be back for the Mako.

Hooker Sam Moli is also expected back, after playing for Tonga during the international window during July, along with Parkinson and Nankivell, who will line-up for NZ Maori.

Loosie Anton Segner and prop Luca Inch, a development player, will represent NZ under-20 then become eligible for Mako selection.

Missing this year will be hooker Andrew Makalio, with a long-term injury, plus winger Tima Fainga’anuku who has signed with Manawatu.

A 2019 Mako, powerful midfielder Levi Aumua, is back in the region, playing club rugby with Kahurangi and hoping to reclaim a Tasman jersey. Also making a return is former Mako halfback Jack Grooby who showed plenty of promise in 2018 before injury ruled him out over the following two years.

With the Tasman flag flying so high on the provincial scene there is no shortage of players lining up to join in the fun.

Getting the first chance to impress are members of the Tasman High Performance squad who take on a Cook Islands side in Nelson on Wednesday, July 7.

The Mako kick off their Bunnings NPC campaign on Sunday August 8, with an away match against Bay of Plenty in Tauranga.