Top club rugby XVs selected

Having claimed back-to-back NPC titles, it is no secret that Tasman is stacked with rugby talent.

With a core group of Super Rugby players set to return in pursuit of a three-peat, some quality players will miss out on a Mako jersey in 2021.

However, there is plenty of talent at club level, from where players will be recruited to fill the positions remaining after the leading lights enter the fray.

Nelson App sports reporter Jonty Dine recently selected his form XV of Tasman contenders from Tasman Trophy clubs based in Nelson, comprising players who have not already represented the Mako at NPC level, so I thought it only fair to do the same for this side of the hill.

Although there are no plans at this stage for a Red Devils v Griffins match in 2021, this may be an indication of possible line-ups and would make for an interesting encounter, plus serve as a possible Mako trial.

PETE’S XV: 1 Seymour Lambert – Waitohi; 2 Taimi Fangatua – Waitohi; 3 Losi Malimali; 4 Dylan Burns – Waitohi; 5 Jack Powell – Central; 6 Cody Weir – Renwick; 7 Taine Cragg-Love – Waitohi; 8 Sitaleki Baker – Central; 9 Ethan Jones – Central; 10 Tristian Taylor – Moutere/Awatere; 11 - Nigel Satherley – Central; 12 Dan Monaghan – Waitohi; 13 Timoci Tavatavanawai – Central; 14 Falaula Fotu Moala - Renwick; 15 Jack Griffiths - Central.

JONTY’S XV: 1 Luca Inch – Kahurangi; 2 Leo Maupese – Marist; 3 Teu Sami – Marist; 4 Isaiah Malaulau – Nelson; 5 Max Hicks – Marist; 6 Taya Brown – Waimea; 7 Chris Hala'ufia – Wanderers; 8 Te Puoho Stephens – Marist; 9 Cleve Barrell – Marist; 10 Campbell Parata – Waimea; 11 Stein Schreiber – Kahurangi; 12 Pita Siale – Nelson; 13 Erenimo Tau – Waimea; 14 Macca Springer – Waimea; 15 Fletcher Matthews – Wanderers.