Backline changes are a feature of the Tasman Mako men's side named for Sunday’s Ranfurly Shield challenge against Northland in Whangarei.
Midfield pairing David Havili and Cooper Roberts, who were late withdrawals from the run-on XV last week, are down to start again this week.
Marist halfback Wil Thornalley replaces Stoke’s Mason Lund, while Maloni Kunawave will start at fullback after an injury to Taine Robinson, who was originally named in the 15 shirt. Nic Sauira will start on the left wing, Leo Marfell coming onto the reserves bench.
The only change in the forwards is hooker Eli Oudenryn elevated to start with Richie Asiata dropping to the bench.
Prop Ryan Coxon returns from a head knock via the reserves.
There is plenty of player turnover since Tasman’s last shield challenge against Canterbury last season where the holders scored an 83rd minute try to repel the visitors 31-25.
Tasman Mako men's side: 1-Tom Heywood, 2-Eli Oudenryn, 3-Kershawl Sykes-Martin, 4-Hunter Leppien, 5-Antonio Shalfoon, 6-Lopeti Faifua, 7-Rory Scott, 8-Johnny Lee©, 9-Wil Thornalley, 10-William Havili, 11-Nic Sauira, 12-David Havili, 13-Cooper Roberts, 14-Kyren Taumoefolau, 15- Maloni Kunawave. Reserves: 16-Richie Asiata, 17- Ryan Coxon, 18-Sione Mafi, 19-Jake Frost, 20-Tayne Hemopo, 21-Mason Lund, 22-Cooper Grant, 23-Leo Marfell.
Kick-off is at 17.05pm on Sunday in Whangarei.
Women take on Kauri
The Mako women’s team will also play Northland, however they will be on their home ground, Nelson’s Trafalgar Park, at 1.05pm Saturday.
The Mako women’s side is: 1- Lyric Siaki, 2 -Cheyenne Galiki, 3- Stephani Mitchell ©, 4 – Brooklyn Logan, 5 Tanita Garnett, 6 – Leah Ngawhika, 7 – Leah Miles, 8 – Shevaun Collier, 9 – Dallas McKnight, 10 Lucy Hall, 11 – Kim Lammers, 12 – Jamie Paenga, 13 – Chloe Dixon (vc), 14 – Taylah Richards, 15 – Ashleigh Wood. Reserves: Sophie Pemberton, Raumati Rogers, Stacey Davis, Jordan Collins, Courtney Finau, Iva Sauira, Samara Bright, Sienna Todd.
