Tasman Makos: News

Physical Battle for Makos
21-Aug-2009

By John Alexander
Front up physically and mentally or forget it.

That's basically the situation facing the Tasman Makos side heading into tomorrow afternoon's Air New Zealand Cup clash rugby against Canterbury at AMI Stadium.

The Red and Blacks smashed the Makos up front twice last season, 42-15 in round-robin play and then won even more emphatically 48-10 in their quarterfinal on their way to the title.

Makos co-coach Kieran Keane acknowledged the need to front up in the confrontational battle and he's moved to boost the set-piece ball-winning capacity by making a positional change.

Joe Wheeler moves from lock to blindside flanker, a position many believe he's better suited to. Anthony Elisala makes his first start, replacing Wheeler, with Glen Gregory the unlucky player to miss the cut despite a good performance on the blindside against Counties Manukau.

Daniel Crichton has recovered from injury to take Gregory's place on the bench.

The backline, which scored all six tries last week is unchanged, skipper Andrew Goodman retaining the first five-eighth position after his outstanding performance. First-five James Marshall was the only player not considered for selection, his ankle injury not sufficiently healed.

James Kamana, a late replacement for an ill Afeleki Pelenise on the right wing last week, retains his place. Pelenise comes on to the bench, replacing Brenton Connell.

In explaining the change up front, Keane said, "It's a horses for courses team. Gregory is unlucky, but there is a lot of competition in the side. We have gone for a taller lineout. It hasn't been bad lately but Canterbury's is a lot better than Counties Manukau."

Both teams lost their opening round matches and have bounced back to win their next two and whoever wins this one will remain near the top of the table.

Canterbury were outstanding in beating Waikato 46-13 last week and the Makos were just as impressive in thrashing Counties Manukau 51-15.

Keane, who played more than 80 games for Canterbury, knows what to expect from his old province.

"It's about doing what we do well and putting them under pressure. They (Canterbury) have terrific depth. It's a big, exciting challenge and the boys have trained particularly well this week."

Canterbury have lost first-five Daniel Carter, prop Wyatt Crockett and loose-forward Kieran Read to the All Blacks. Two former All Blacks return after lengthy spells out injured, halfback Andy Ellis and hooker Corey Flynn. Both are on the bench but sure to get significant game time.

Former Wellington winger Tu Umaga-Marshall is another returning from injury, making his Canterbury debut. Other changes from the team which beat Waikato include Andrew Olorenshaw replacing Crockett, Luke Romano on debut coming in for Sam Whitelock at lock and Ben Coman replacing Read.

Ad Feedback In the backs, Stephen Brett is Carter's replacement. Tim Bateman shifts from centre to second-five, replacing Ryan Crotty while Adam Whitelock slots in at centre.

The Makos will have to create history to beat Canterbury, something they have never done in three clashes in this competition, the first in Blenheim in 2007 resulting in a close-fought 21-14 Red and Blacks win.

History hasn't counted for much so far in this year's competition and the two teams are not that far apart on individual ability which suggests the underdogs certainly have a chance of at least rattling Canterbury's cage.

MAKOS v CANTERBURY

Tasman Makos: Robbie Malneek, Blair Cook, Kade Poki, Sione Holani, James Kamana, Andrew Goodman, Kahn Fotuali'i, Mark Bright, Jonathan Poff, Joe Wheeler, Anthony Elisala, Alex Ainley, Ben Franks, Daniel Perrin, Sakaria Taulafo. Subs: Quentin MacDonald, Tristan Moran, Daniel Crichton, Zane Winslade, Shaun Begg, Matty James, Afeleki Pelenise.

Canterbury: Colin Slade, Sean Maitland, Adam Whitelock, Tim Bateman, Tu Umaga-Marshall, Stephen Brett, Tyson Keats, Mike Coman, George Whitelock (cpt), Mike Coman, Michael Paterson, James Broadhurst, Luke Romano, Ti'i Paulo, Andrew Olorenshaw. Subs: Corey Flynn, Rodney Ah You, Sam Whitelock, Matt Todd, Andy Ellis, Ryan Crotty, Chris Small.

Kick-off time: 4.30pm