The inclusion of veteran halfback Mitchell Drummond is one of four changes to the starting lineup for the Tasman Mako side who host Wellington at Lansdowne Park on Saturday.
A serious shoulder injury sustained in Christchurch club rugby delayed the start to Mitch’s second season with the Mako.
There are three changes to the pack with prop Ryan Coxon, lock Jake Frost, and loose forward Tayne Hemopo all elevated from the bench after last week’s 20-10 Ranfurly Shield loss to Northland in Whangarei.
Marist prop Jake Wetere makes the matchday 23 for the first time, while wing Macca Springer returns via the bench after recovering from a shoulder injury suffered playing for the Crusaders.
Jake will be familiar with many of the Wellington side after captaining Marist St Pats in club rugby in the capital last season.
The Mako will hoping to break a run of three consecutive NPC losses in Blenheim going back to 2024.
The side is: 1-Ryan Coxon, 2-Eli Oudenryn, 3-Vea Taumoefolau, 4-Jake Frost, 5-Antonio Shalfoon, 6-Lopeti Faifua, 7-Johnny Lee©, 8-Tayne Hemopo, 9- Mitchell Drummond, 10-William Havili, 11-Nic Sauira, 12-David Havili, 13-Cooper Roberts, 14-Kyren Taumoefolau, 15-Maloni Kunawave. Reserves:16- John Asiata, 17- Tom Heywood, 18-Jake Wetere, 19-Hunter Leppien, 20-Rory Scott, 21-Wil Thornalley, 22-Cooper Grant, 23-Macca Springer.
