Tasman Mako men's, women's teams named

A Tasman Mako side based around players who competed in the Tasman Trophy competition has been named to take on their Canterbury counterparts in Hanmer Springs on Friday.

All five of the recently-named Mako “rookie signings” have been included in the side for tomorrow's match.

Exciting centre/winger Timoci “Jim” Tavatavanawai, out of the Central club, is in the starting line-up, alongside Stoke fullback Taine Robinson. Antonio Shalfoon, from Stoke, and Marist’s Max Hicks will lock the Mako scrum. Waimea Old-Boys’ first five Campbell Parata is in the reserves.

Back-up halfback Noah Hothman is an interesting addition. Out of the successful Hamilton Boys’ High School side, he was named in the NZ schools team last year.

Tasman’s Super Rugby contingent are not expected to don the Mako jersey until the final pre-season match, against Southland in Christchurch on Friday, July 30.

Starting XV v Canterbury: Isi Tu’ungafasi, Quentin MacDonald, Atu Moli, Max Hicks, Antonio Shalfoon, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Jacob Norris (captain), Taina Fox-Matamua, Louie Chapman, Willie Havili, Macca Springer, Tim O’Malley (vice-captain), Levi Aumua, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Taine Robinson.

Bench: Maupese Leopino, Matt Graham-Williams, Sam Matenga, Anton Segner, Taya Brown, Noah Hothman, Campbell Parata, Apetone Vaka, Ra Witehira, Zac Harrison-Jones, Vili Napa’a.  Kick-off is 1.30pm.

Mako women

Meanwhile, the Tasman women’s team which will take on North Harbour in their first Farah Palmer Cup match has been named.

Kick off is 12.20pm on Saturday at Albany. The match will be televised live on Sky TV.

The Mako team is: 15 Eleri James-Sitters, 14 Eve Findlay, 13 Sydnee Wilkins, 12 Maiden Tupara, 11 Pippa Andrews, 10 Karla Wright-Akeli, 9 Hannah Kelly (vice-captain), 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: Amanda Sim, Kelly Collins, Jamee Te Moananui, Tanita Garnett, Neve Anglesey, Demi Salton, Jamie Paenga, Michelle Miller-Leef.