All Blacks back for Mako

The inclusion of two All Blacks has provided a welcome boost for the Tasman Mako side as they prepare for their final Ranfurly Shield defence of the season.

Rugged loosie Ethan Blackadder and former skipper David Havili come into the starting line-up at No 8 and second five respectively when the Mako welcome high-flying Taranaki to Trafalgar Park on Sunday.

Two crowd favourites, hooker Quentin MacDonald and wing/centre Timoci Tavatavanawai are out injured, balancing the return of the All Blacks duo.

Other talking points include the move of outstanding flanker Tim Sail to lock replacing Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, who is out of the mix, the switch of Macca Springer to the wing and Kyren Taumoefolau to fullback, the naming of Fijian Drua prop Jone Tiko in the reserves, plus the bonus of having another All Black, Noah Hotham, on the bench.

This is a key game for Tasman. They not only have a chance to lock the Log o’ Wood away for the summer, they can also claim top position on the NPC ladder, meaning every play-off fixture they take part in will be in either Blenheim (quarterfinal) or Nelson.

The Tasman Mako side to play Taranaki (kick-off at 2.05pm) is: 1 Ryan Coxon, 2 Sam Moli, 3 Sam Matenga, 4 Tim Sail, 5 Antonio Shalfoon, 6 Fletcher Anderson, 7 Sione Havili Talitui, 8 Ethan Blackadder; 9 Finlay Christie (captain), 10 Willie Havili, 11 Macca Springer, 12 David Havili, 13 Will Butler, 14 Jack Gray, 15 Kyren Taumoefolau. Sparkies: Eli Oudenryn, Monu Moli, Tiko Jone, Hunter Leppien, Johnny Lee, Noah Hotham, Campbell Parata, Nic Sauira.