Tasman aim to end Stags' run

FIGHTING FIT: Makos lock Ben Coman is in the starting lineup against Southland tomorrow.

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There are still some teams lurking out there in ITM Cup rugbyland who have enjoyed perennial success over the Tasman Makos.

Wellington's one and Bay of Plenty and Otago are others, but tomorrow at Blenheim's Lansdowne Park, Tasman have the opportunity to finally loosen the Southland Stags' frustrating stranglehold over the Makos in the fifth round of competition.

Ranfurly Shield holders Southland are currently one of only two remaining unbeaten teams this year and sit atop the championship ladder, two points clear of Counties Manukau.

But after Tasman's giant-killing exploits in upsetting defending champions Canterbury at Trafalgar Park last Saturday, Southland will be a little more wary about the challenge Tasman will bring to Lansdowne Park. The shield is not at stake.

Tasman have every right to be feeling upbeat about their chances of finally adding Southland's scalp to their growing list of conquests, although coach Kieran Keane said there'd been no over-reaction by his players to Saturday's epic win and that they were remaining grounded ahead of tomorrow's important clash.

"There's a good feel in the camp as you would expect, but the boys have been really smart and professional and one swallow doesn't make a summer," said Keane.

"So we're in a good space at the moment, but it could all come falling down if we don't perform on Friday.

"We made history last week and obviously we're keen to make history again this week, but that's a by-product of how we performed. We're just trying to be professional in our approach and professional in our attitude.

"We're not daunted by anybody, so we have our own ideas about how we want to play this and how they might play. There's nothing different."

There have been some minor tinkerings to Tasman's lineup with two players, lock Ben Coman and winger Afeleki Pelenise, making their first starts of the season.

Coman has recovered from a shoulder injury and will partner his skipper, Chris Jack, in the second row of Tasman's scrum, pushing the in-from Glen Gregory on to the blindside flank ahead of Tasi Luafutu who will provide impact off the bench.

Keane said Coman had been impressive at training and deserved his chance to secure a starting berth. "He's trained the house down and we are a bit bruised, so it's a chance to manage a couple of issues. But at the same time, the guy gets a reward for his endeavour."

There was no question of Gregory losing his place in the lineup and he benefits from his versatility.

"[Gregory] has been performing really well and leading very well. He's overcome his early illness and is in fine form. He's a resilient bloke and he's doing a good job."

Pelenise finally gets on the track after a lengthy hamstring problem, with Blair Cook joining the reserves.

"It's going to test us a little because because we've had short turnarounds," said Keane. "We're a bit bruised, we're not battered yet, but we've got a few niggles."

The Makos are injury free, second-string hooker Vernon Fredericks having recovered from the shoulder knock that forced him off against Canterbury while wing James Kamana's hamstring niggle has also cleared.

Southland have experienced an even shorter turnaround after surviving a strong Hawke's Bay finish to win 23-20 in Napier last Sunday and secure their fourth consecutive win.

The Stags have named an unchanged lineup for tomorrow. They arrived in Blenheim yesterday, having opted to spend a couple of extra days in Hawke's Bay rather than return home after their win over the Magpies.

Injured Stags James Wilson (thigh) and James Paterson (hamstring) were due to join the team in Blenheim in time to be considered for tomorrow's game.

The match kicks off at Lansdowne Park in Blenheim at 7.35pm.

Tasman Makos: Robbie Malneek, Afeleki Pelenise, Kade Poki, Tom Marshall, James Kamana, James Marshall, Steve Alfeld, Joe Wheeler, Jonathan Poff, Glen Gregory, Ben Coman, Chris Jack (captain), Fai Mika, Francis Smith, Sam Prattley. Reserves: Vernon Fredericks, Hamish Cochrane, Shane Christie, Tasi Luafutu, Kaide Whiting, Sione Holani, Blair Cook.

Southland Stags: Glen Horton, Tony Koonwaiyou, Kenny Lynn, Matt Saunders, Mark Wells, Robbie Robinson, Scott Cowan, Elliot Dixon, Tim Boys, John Hardie, Joe Tuineau, Josh Bekhuis, Chris King, Jason Rutledge, Jamie Mackintosh (captain). Reserves: Brayden Mitchell, Nic Barrett, Kane Thompson, Dion Bates, Nick Annear, Seminar Manu, Pehi Te Whare.

- © Fairfax NZ News