KIERAN KEANE: There’s a good feel around the place, the boys have got a spring in their steps, the gym trainers have done a wonderful job
Peter Betham is hoping to return to play the ITM Cup with Tasman, the team responsible for reinvigorating his Super Rugby career among a Wallabies-laden back division at the Waratahs. "I'm still in negotiations. Hopefully I get a chance to go back," said Betham, of a return to Tasman before the squad crossed the ditch.
Tasman flanker's injury nightmare almost over . Squire credits a phone call from Tasman coach Kieran Keane for reigniting the spark. "I got a call from KK and he just said to me, ‘you've had a bit of bad luck but we're here to support you'. He's been really good. "He probably doesn't realise it, but his phone call was probably the thing that got me back up again and going to the gym and still training."
Robbie Malneek is expected back in Nelson within the next week after he officially agreed to terms with the Tasman union on Friday. According to Tasman chief executive Andrew Flexman, the union was delighted to have the 73-game veteran back on board.
All of a sudden, Tasman hooker Quentin MacDonald is a key figure for the Blues in Super Rugby. With James Parson's neck complaint keeping him out for the next two weeks and All Blacks veteran Keven Mealamu causing concern after limping off early in the gritty 18-17 win over the Stormers last Friday, MacDonald may be last man standing in the Blues' hooking stocks.
Tasman Rugby Union chief executive Andrew Flexman confirmed the signing of Samoan international No 8 George Stowers yesterday for the upcoming season. Capped 23 times for Samoa and once for the Pacific Islanders, 34-year-old Stowers is with leading Welsh club Ospreys and previously turned out for London Irish.
The Tasman Makos will have an international aspect to their backline this season following the signing of English midfielder Andy Symons for the ITM Cup campaign. Tasman Rugby Union chief executive Andrew Flexman said the 1.83m and 104kg Symons had a solid reputation as a versatile player and reliable goalkicker with the ability to play in either the 10, 12 or 13 jersey.
Alex Ainley has returned to the Tasman Makos after three seasons of playing club rugby for the Mitsubishi Dynaboars in Japan. Ainley was one of the province's foundation players back in 2006 when he appeared in all 10 games, every one at flanker. He took over the captaincy the following season when he again played in all 10 games, six at flanker and four at lock. He relinquished the captaincy to Andrew Goodman in 2008 but his durability saw him play 10 of Tasman's 11 games, all but one of them at lock, before appearing solely at lock in 12 of Tasman's 13 games in their 2009 campaign.
Contracted players to date: Alex Ainley, Tevita Cavubati, Shane Christie, Hayden Cripps, Kieron Fonotia, Vernon Fredericks, Bryce Heem, Tevita Koloamatangi, James Lowe, Tom Marshall, Quentin MacDonald, Reuben Northover, Tim Perry, Gary Redmond, Mitchell Scott, Francis Smith, Liam Squire, Joe Wheeler.
Sat 17 Aug, 5.35pm—v Southland—Invercargill
Sat, 24 Aug, 2.35pm —v Canterbury—Blenheim
Fri 30 Aug, 7.35pm—v Counties-Manukau—Pukekohe
Fri 6 Sep, 8.05pm—v Otago—Nelson
Fri 13 Sep, 8.05pm—v North Harbour—North Harbour
Sun 22 Sep, 2.35pm—v Hawke’s Bay—Nelson
Thu 26 Sep, 7.35pm—v Northland—Whangarei
Wed 2 Oct, 7.35pm—v Waikato—Nelson
Sun 6 Oct, 4.35pm—v Taranaki—New Plymouth
Sun 13 Oct, 4.35pm—v Manawatu—Blenheim
18~19 Oct—Semi-finals
Fri 25 Oct, 7.35pm—Final