No southern respite in Dunedin for Makos
Caleb Makene, a New Zealand under-20 winger, has been drafted onto the Tasman Makos' bench for their match with Otago on Saturday.
Out of the premiership frying pan and into the championship fire.
That's the daunting scenario for the Tasman Makos, who play their fourth national provincial championship game of the season against Otago in Dunedin on Saturday.
After squaring off against three of the leading premiership sides in the first weeks of what is shaping as an intense competition, the Makos now tackle their first cross-over opponent from the second-tier championship section.
If the Tasman team were hoping for some respite, they can forget it. Otago are the runaway leaders of the championship section, having won all four of their encounters, with bonus points to boot. The southern men will also be under the familiar roof of Forsyth Barr Stadium, traditionally a venue where Tasman have struggled to produce their best.
Head coach Leon MacDonald acknowledged the challenge his side faced, suggesting Otago had been building a very strong team for a number of years.
"They have a lot of speed and attack out of their own half more than any other team in the competition. So we have to be on our game. Their confidence is up and, being at home, they will take some beating.
"This is a key game for us. Even though we have won two out of three so far we are second to last on the points table. She's a tough old competition. Every result, every week, is vital."
Adding to the pressure of fronting up week after week is a rising injury toll. The Makos lost leading winger James Lowe last week to a broken thumb, then No 8 Vernon Fredericks was ruled out for the season following an operation on a damaged thumb ligament on Wednesday. Highlanders forwards Siosua Halanukonuka and Alex Ainley are still sidelined, plus winger Viliami Lolohea.
However, MacDonald was still able to name a strong team for the trip south and felt his troops were "battle-hardened" after three torrid opening encounters.
The tight five remain the same, but the loss of Fredericks has meant change in the loose forward mix. Tevita Koloamatangi is given his first start of the season at No 6, with Pete Samu shifting to the back of the scrum. MacDonald said Fredericks' injury was a "massive blow".
"He's been our most consistent performer through pre-season and into the NPC and he's also part of our leadership group. He's a big loss to the team."
The Makos selectors toyed with the idea of shifting flanker Shane Christie to the back of the scrum but, given the fact he made 26 tackles last week and was player of the day, they decided against moving such an influential player out of his regular position.
There are three changes in the backline. The return of Crusaders utility David Havili to the run-on side, after he sat on the bench against Taranaki, adds experience to the midfield mix, with Alex Nankivell shifting to the left wing in place of Jesse Pitman. Halfback Billy Guyton, who brought his side home well against Taranaki, is given his first starting role of the season.
A couple of newcomers will sit on the bench. Flanker Ethan Blackadder, a development player in the Makos squad, will offer forward cover while an interesting new face among the back reserves is Canterbury loan player Caleb Makene. The 2016 NZ under-20 player comes into the squad as an injury replacement for Lowe. MacDonald described him as a genuine winger and finisher, who offers fullback cover. "He's a quality player so, when he became available, we jumped at the chance."
The coach said the side had trained well this week, led from the front by Christie. "The skipper is on fire both on and off the field at the moment. He's really driving his team mates hard [at training] to lift the standard."
Although gathering bonus points each game is important, MacDonald would gladly trade one for an injury-free outcome "If we can get through a game [injury free] it would be like scoring a bonus point," suggested the former All Black.
At a glance
Saturday, September 10
Tasman Makos v Otago at Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin - kick off 4.35pm.
Referee: Mike Fraser
Tasman Makos: Mitchell Hunt, Tima Faingaanuku, Kieron Fonotia, David Havili, Alex Nankivell, Marty Banks, Billy Guyton; Pete Samu, Shane Christie (captain), Tevita Koloamatangi, Quinten Strange, Shannon Frizell, Ross Geldenhuys, Andrew Makalio, Tim Perry. Reserves: Jesse MacDonald, Kane Hames, Blair Prinsep, Jeff Lepa, Ethan Blackadder, Finlay Christie, Trael Joass, Caleb Makene.
Otago: Michael Collins, Mitchell Scott, Matt Faddes, Teihorangi Walden, Jack Wilson, Fletcher Smith, Jonathan Ruru; Paul Grant, Lee Allan, Naulia Dawai, Tom Franklin, Josh Dickson, Hisa Sasagi, Sam Anderson-Heather, Aki Seiuli. Reserves: Sekonaia Pole, Craig Millar, Donald Brighouse, Adam Knight, James Lentjes, Josh Walden, Scott Eade, Fa'asui Fuata'i.
Previous five years:
2015 Tasman 34 Otago 17 (Dunedin)
2014 Tasman 32 Otago 24 (Nelson)
2013 Tasman 49 Otago 16 (Nelson)
2012 Otago 41 Tasman 34 (Dunedin) NPC semifinal
2012 Otago 39 Tasman 13 (Dunedin)
2011 Otago 19 Tasman 16 (Nelson)
