Mako team named to play the Taranaki Bulls
Sunday 9 September, 2.05pm
Trafalgar Park, Nelson
When reserve hooker Quentin MacDonald comes off the bench, it will be his 105th match in the Tasman Mako jersey, surpassing Mako #15, Robbie Malneek.
Preview by Jack Malcolm [Nelson App]
Tasman have released their team to take on Taranaki in a must-win Bunnings NPC match at Trafalgar Park on Sunday.
Injuries have again impacted their campaign, with locks Quinten Strange and Mahonri Ngakuru being invalided out of Wednesday’s clash with Wellington in the early stages. Their absence has meant another reshuffle of the forward pack, Max Hicks and Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta stepping into the middle row, while Anton Segner returns on the flank in place of Hicks.
Noah Hotham is back in the No 9 jersey while Levi Aumua returns at centre in place of Fetuli Paea. Tomasi Alosio replaces the unavailable Sevu Reece at fullback.
Onto the bench comes stalwart hooker Quentin MacDonald, who will become the most-capped Mako if he takes the field. His 105 caps will surpass the 104 outings of former Mako Robbie Malneek.
asman’s position on the points table is precarious, with just four round-robin matches remaining. Taranaki, with just one win this season are also in dire straits, sitting a place below the Mako, meaning both sides will be desperate for competition points on Sunday afternoon.
Funds needed
As the Tasman Mako grapple with their own ‘Storm Week’ the Tasman union have chosen to support those impacted by the region’s devastating floods by donating to the Nelson Tasman Mayoral Relief Fund.
For every ticket sold to Sunday’s Mako v Taranaki game, the TRU is donating $3 to the Relief Fund.
Tasman Rugby Union CEO Lyndon Bray says the donation is about showing support for the region. “As a group, our staff and players feel for everyone impacted by the recent weather event. We want to make a difference for those affected and contributing to the Nelson Tasman Mayoral Relief Fund is going to get support where it’s most needed.
As well as heading along to the games at Trafalgar Park, members of the public can also make their own $3 donation to the Nelson Marlborough Mayoral Relief Fund by texting STORM to 3493. The $3 will show up as a charitable donation on your phone bill.
The Mako team to take on Taranaki in Nelson on Sunday: 1 Kershawl Sykes Martin, 2 Andrew Makalio (captain), 3 Isaac Salmon, 4 Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, 5 Max Hicks, 6 Anton Segner, 7 Braden Stewart, 8 Sione Havili; 9 Noah Hotham, 10 Willie Havili, 11 Macca Springer, 12 Alex Nankivell, 13 Levi Aumua, 14 Timoci Tavatavanawai, 15 Tomasi Alosio.
Sparkies: Quentin MacDonald, Atu Moli, Sam Matenga, Viliami Napa’a, Fletcher Anderson, Louie Chapman, Campbell Parata, Fetuli Paea. Kick off 2.05pm.