There are five changes to the Tasman Mako XV, that beat Counties Manukau 50-35 last Sunday, for Saturday’s fourth round match against Southland at Trafalgar Park.
Prop Ryan Coxon, who was forced from the field with a head knock, has been replaced by Waimea Old Boys front rower Tom Heywood, while Nelson No.8 Matt Lowe was also injured.
That has prompted a loose forward reshuffle with captain Johnny Lee going to the back of the scrum, and Lopeti Faifua promoted from the bench to start on the blindside flank.
Stoke’s Mason Lund has pipped Marist’s Wil Thornalley for the halfback berth, replacing Noah Hotham who has been recalled to the All Blacks.
Centre Cooper Roberts has recovered from his head knock in round two to rejoin David Havili in the midfield, while outside back Maloni Kunawave comes in at fullback for his first start of season, after Fletcher Hewitt-Smart was injured on debut last week.
There are four changes to the bench, headlined by the return of hooker Eli Oudenryn who was initially thought to have suffered a broken arm in round two.
Nelson prop Isaiah Malaulau has been elevated from the development squad, while New Zealand U20 lock Jake Frost is poised to make his first appearance for the Mako.
Utility back Taine Robinson, who was left out last week, has been named in the reserves.
The starting XV is: 1-Tom Heywood, 2-Richie Asiata, 3-Kershawl Sykes-Martin, 4-Hunter Leppien, 5-Antonio Shalfoon, 6-Lopeti Faifua, 7-Rory Scott, 8-Johnny Lee©, 9-Mason Lund, 10-William Havili, 11-Timi Sauira, 12-David Havili, 13-Cooper Roberts, 14-Kyren Taumoefolau, 15-Maloni Kunawave. Reserves: 16-Eli Oudenryn, 17-Isaiah Malaulau, 18-Sione Mafi, 19-Jake Frost, 20-Tayne Hemopo, 21-Wil Thornalley, 22-Taine Robinson, 23-Nic Sauira.
Kick-off is at the earlier start time of 1.05pm.
