Tasman Makos: News

2009 Makos Squad Update
07-Jul-2009

WAYNE MARTIN - The Nelson Mail

Auckland lock Anthony Elisala is the only unfamiliar face in the Tasman Makos Air New Zealand Cup rugby squad named yesterday by selectors Bevan Cadwallader and Kieran Keane.

A product of De La Salle College, the 1.96m and 107kg Auckland Marist lock made three appearances for Auckland off the bench in last season's Air NZ Cup competition.

Noted for his lineout ability, 24-year-old Elisala has been part of the Auckland union's high performance unit and is also a renowned defender.

Apart from Elisala, the rest of the 29-man squad have all been playing club rugby locally this season, with 19 of last year's Makos squad returning for the 2009 campaign.

Also returning are Stoke midfielder Sione Holani, who missed 2008 due to injury, and 2007 Mako, flanker Zane Winslade, who played in Romania in 2008.

All Blacks prop Ben Franks heads the lineup of returning Crusaders players along with halfback Kahn Fotuali'i, winger Kade Poki, hooker Quentin MacDonald, flanker Jonathan Poff, winger Blair Cook and hooker Dan Perrin.

Of the new Makos named, many have had previous Air NZ Cup experience with other provinces.

New No8 Daniel Crichton has represented Counties-Manukau, three-quarter James Kamana has played for Waikato, and first five-eighth Matty James has had three seasons with Manawatu.

The Makos' new Air NZ Cup rookies are prop Hamish Cochrane, lock James Foster, halfback Shaun Begg and midfielder Ammon Matuauto.

Cochrane was a member of this year's champion New Zealand under-20 team that recently defended their title in Japan, while Begg and Matuauto were members of the Stoke team that won Saturday's Nelson Bays senior club title at Trafalgar Park. Nelson lock Foster has been part of the Tasman academy structure.

In announcing the squad, co-coach Cadwallader said there would be some disappointed players.

"There are a number of guys who have worked hard and stepped up this season and only just missed out on selection, but they'll be able to keep our attention by putting in a good effort with the Marlborough and Nelson Bays representative sides," he said.

The squad heads straight into a training camp at Canvastown this week.

The Makos' opening Air NZ Cup match against Taranaki is less than four weeks away, in Blenheim on July 30.

MAKOS SQUAD

Tasman Makos 2009 squad forwards: Hamish Cochrane (Waimea Old Boys), Ben Franks (Huia), Tristan Moran (Marist), Sakaria Taulafo (Nelson), Quentin MacDonald (Central), Daniel Perrin (Huia), Alex Ainley (Marist), Anthony Elisala (Auckland Marist), James Foster (Nelson), Joseph Wheeler (Harlequins), Mark Bright (Marist), Daniel Crichton (Marist), Glen Gregory (Waimea Old Boys), Daniel Hyatt (Nelson), Jonathan Poff (Riwaka), Zane Winslade (Marist); backs: Shaun Begg (Stoke), Kahn Fotualii (Stoke), Matty James (Stoke), James Marshall (Nelson), Andrew Goodman (Nelson), Sione Holani (Stoke), Ammon Matuauto (Stoke), Mike Pehi (Marist), Kade Poki (Central), Blair Cook (Waimea Old Boys), James Kamana (Waimea Old Boys), Afeleki Pelenise (Marist), Robbie Malneek (Nelson).