Mako NPC Squad for 2022 named

The 2022 Tasman Mako team to play in the Bunnings Warehouse NPC will again be co-captained by Mitch Hunt and Quinten Strange.

By Peter Jones [Marlborough App]

There is a familiar look to the 2022 Tasman Mako men’s rugby squad, which was named on Sunday for the forthcoming Bunnings NPC season.

Their first outing is against Southland in Blenheim on Sunday August 7 at 2.05pm.

A squad of 32 has been announced for the demanding campaign, containing plenty of well-known faces, most of whom took part in the COVID-blighted 2021 campaign, when Tasman finished runner-up to Waikato.

However, there is room for a couple of players new to regular provincial play, such as prop Matt Graham-Williams, outside back Tomasi Alosio and halfback Noah Hotham.

The forward pack looks formidable and well balanced, being packed with Super Rugby players, including former All Blacks Atu Moli and Tyrel Lomax. The loss of Jacob Norris and Taina Fox-Matamua is balanced by a powerful loose forward mix, all current Super Rugby players.

There is a less seasoned look to the outside and inside back selections, especially with the likes of Finlay Christie, David Havili, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Sevu Reece and Will Jordan on All Black duty. Also absent this year are the experienced duo of inside back Tim O’Malley and winger Mark Telea.

Young guns Louie Chapman and Hotham will share the nine jersey while Timoci Tavatavanawai is the most destructive of the outsides.

The midfield stocks are solid with NZ Maori player Alex Nankivell being joined by Levi Aumua, who enjoyed a top Super Rugby season with the Moana Pasifika crew, and Highlander Fetuli Paea.

An eleven man Development Squad has also been named, the great majority from the just finished Tasman Trophy premier competition.

The NPC gets underway from Sunday August 7 in Blenheim ~

Sun 07 Aug, 2.05pm v Southland – Blenheim

Sat 13 Aug, 2.05pm v Otago - Dunedin

Sat 20 Aug, 4.35pm v North Harbour - Albany

Fri 26 Aug, 5.35pm v Canterbury - Blenheim

Fri 02 Sep, 7.05pm v Manawatu – Palmerston North

Wed 7 Sep, 7.05pm v Wellington - Nelson

Sun 11 Sep, 2.05pm v Taranaki - Nelson

Sat 17 Sep, 4.35pm v Auckland - Auckland

Sat 24 Sep, 2.05pm v Northland - Nelson

Fri 30 Sep, 7.05pm v Hawke’s Bay - Napier