Injuries and unavailability have combined at the worst time ahead of Tasman’s sudden death NPC quarterfinal against Northland in Whangarei on Friday night.
As feared, leg injuries have removed first choice locks Antonio Shalfoon and Lopeti Faifua.
Loose forward Leicester Fainga’anuku is undergoing concussion protocols while Shannon Frizell has rejoined the All Blacks, leaving the pack depowered.
Lock Jake Frost and openside flanker Rory Scot have been promoted from the bench while Tayne Hemopo is recalled on the blindside flank.
Skipper Johnny Lee has switched to No.8.
That leaves hooker Eli Oudenryn, in his 20th match, as the only real ball runner in the pack.
There is only one change in the backs but it is a big one with midfielder Timoci Tavatavanawai also with the All Blacks and replaced by Cooper Roberts.
There are five changes to the bench with Jake Wetere and Vea Taumoefolau returning as prop replacements for Tom Heywood and Sione Mafi.
“Tom has played every match, has been a trooper but has suffered a foot injury while illness has ruled Sione out,” says coach Jono Phillips.
Uncapped Waimea Old Boys and Tasman age grade standout Harry Horncastle will provide loose forward cover along with recalled Matt Lowe.
Tayne could switch from the side of the scrum to lock during the match.
There is one change in the backup backs with Cooper Grant back after being left out last week.
The Mako lost its Ranfurly Shield Challenge against Northland 20-10 at Semenoff Stadium in August.
With five key players missing, the pressure is really on but Jono is adamant they are up to the challenge and will give it a crack.
“We feel like the last two rounds have been sudden death matches before the quarterfinals. We have had to use a lot of players this season but they keep stepping up,” insists Jono.
The side has gone out in the first round of the play-offs the past three years.
The team is: 1-Monu Moli, 2-Eli Oudenryn, 3-Ryan Coxon, 4- Jake Frost, 5-Hunter Leppien, 6-Tayne Hemopo, 7-Rory Scott, 8-Johnny Lee©, 9-Noah Hotham, 10-William Havili, 11-Macca Springer, 12-David Havili, 13-Cooper Roberts, 14-Kyren Taumoefolau, 15-Maloni Kunawave.
Reserves: 16-Dylan Irvine, 17-Jake Wetere, 18-Vea Taumoefolau, 19-Harry Horncastle, 20-Matt Lowe, 21-Mitchell Drummond,
