The Tasman Mako team management has reacted swiftly to the second-round shocker against Hawke’s Bay by changing almost half the starting line-up, and picking two uncapped backs on the bench, to face Counties Manukau in Pukekohe on Sunday afternoon.
There are four changes to the pack and skipper Johnny Lee moves from No.8 to the side of the scrum.
Australian Super Rugby Pacific import Richie Asiata comes in at hooker to replace Eli Oudenryn, who suffered an arm injury last Saturday, and Kershawl-Sykes Martin returns at prop after being a late withdrawal last week.
Lock Hunter Leppien has been promoted from the bench for his 20th match for the Mako while Matt Lowe has also been elevated and will play at No.8.
The Sauira brothers will both start in the backline with Nic replacing centre Cooper Roberts, who failed a head injury assessment last week, and Timi taking the place of Leo Marfell on the wing.
Making his debut at fullback is Nelson first five and captain Fletcher Hewitt-Smart, promoted from the wider training group in place of Taine Robinson.
Coach Jono Phillips confirms Leo and Taine were replaced on form rather than injured.
Forwards Vea Taumoefolau, Lopeti Faifua and Tayne Hemopo all revert to the bench.
Reserve halfback Wil Thornalley replaces Mason Lund while Cooper Grant returns after dropping down to the Tasman development side last week.
Marlborough midfield back Jake Pacey is set to debut from the bench.
“Fletcher and Jake both performed well for the development team. I have said all along, I will look to promote local talent where possible,” declares Phillips.
So nine changes in all, seven to the starting line-up and two new impact players.
Jono insists they haven’t swung the axe so early in the NPC campaign but acknowledges injuries have tested their backline depth.
“It is a squad game and a long season. We just want to put in a performance we can be proud of this week after the disappointment of the last game,” declares the new head coach.
On the injury front, Mako management is hoping Eli hasn’t broken his arm as first feared. All Black Leicester Fainga’anuku isn’t expected to return from his serious leg injury until next month but halfback Mitchell Drummond may be back by the end of August.
The team is: 1-Ryan Coxon, 2-Richie Asiata, 3-Kershawl Sykes-Martin, 4-Hunter Leppien, 5-Antonio Shalfoon, 6-Johnny Lee ©, 7- Rory Scott, 8-Matt Lowe, 9-Noah Hotham, 10-William Havili, 11-Kyren Taumoefolau, 12-David Havili, 13-Nic Sauira,14-Timi Sauira,15-Fletcher Hewitt-Smart.
Reserves: 16-Dylan Irvine, 17-Tom Heywood, 18-Vea Taumoefolau, 19-Lopeti Faifua, 20-Tayne Hemopo, 21-Wil Thornalley, 22-Cooper Grant, 23-Jake Pacey. Kick off is at 5.05pm.
