There are 10 changes to the Tasman Mako men's side, that just got home against Otago, for Sunday’s game against Auckland in Blenheim.
Maybe with a possible Ranfurly Shield challenge against Canterbury in prospect the following week, several frontliners are being rested or relegated to the reserves.
No.8 Fletcher Anderson, who brought up his 20thMako match last week, will assume the captaincy from the rested David Havili.
He is one of only two forwards from Saturday’s pack which started against Otago.
The other is lock Antonio Shalfoon who was limited to 40 minutes on his injury return.
First five William Havili and wings Macca Springer and Kyren Taumoefolau are the only backs returning from last week’s run on 15.
Jay Renton is elevated to start at halfback while Levi Aumua and Cooper Roberts are reunited in the midfield after starting there against North Harbour.
First choice pairing Timoci Tavatavanwai, who broke his arm against Otago, and recalled All Black Leicester Fainga’anuku, are now out of the picture, as is Ethan Blackadder, a thumb injury ending his season. .
New Zealand U20 fullback Maloni Kunawave is at fullback after not being involved at all in the first five games.
Auckland has been riddled with injuries and remains winless.
The Tasman team is: 1-Tom Heywood, 2-Tomasi Maka, 3-Sam Matenga, 4-Hunter Leppien, 5-Antonio Shalfoon, 6-Tayne Hemopo, 7-Tone Ng Shiu, 8-Fletcher Anderson(c), 9-Jay Renton, 10-William Havili, 11-Macca Springer, 12-Levi Aumua, 13-Cooper Roberts, 14-Kyren Taumoefolau, 15- Maloni Kunawave. Reserves: 16-Eli Oudenryn, 17-Ryan Coxon, 18-Sione Mafi, 19-Quinten Strange, 20-Lopeti Faifua, 21-Wil Thornalley, 22-Cooper Grant, 23-Jack Gray.
The match kicks off at 4.35pm. Prior to that the Mako women take on North Harbour at Lansdowne Park, that match beginning at 2.05pm.
