Makos named to play Wellington Lions

Tasman Makos coaches Kieran Keane and Leon MacDonald have made three changes to their starting XV and reshuffled their bench for Friday's match-up with Wellington at Westpac Stadium in the capital.

The coaches have opted for a more experienced mix as they prepare to take on a side who are unbeaten in the championship division this season. Quentin MacDonald reclaims the number two jersey from younger brother Jesse, Alex Ainley comes in for lock Marco Kotze, who returns to the bench, and Kieron Fonotia regains the centre spot, in place of Trael Joass.

Central prop Jake Stafford-Wood rejoins the reserves, in place of Brock Kaahu, Jeff Lepa and Joass drop out of the match day 23 while Kade Poki, who impressed for the Tasman Red Devils on Saturday, earns a place on the bench for the first time this season.

Tasman Makos: Robbie Malneek, Viliami Lolohea, Kieron Fonotia, David Havili, Mitchell Scott, Marty Banks, Billy Guyton; Liam Squire, Shane Christie, Pete Samu, Joe Wheeler, Alex Ainley, Ross Geldenhuys, Quentin MacDonald, Tim Perry.

Reserves: Jesse MacDonald, Suia Halanukonuka, Jake Stafford-Wood, Marco Kotze, Vernon Fredericks; Jimmy Cowan, Trent Renata, Kade Poki.

The match kicks off at 7.35pm.