Chris Jack is ready to rumble
30-Jul-2010
 
Marlborough Express - JOHN ALEXANDER
Former All Black lock Chris Jack has recovered from recent knee surgery and will captain the Tasman Makos team in Sunday's ITM Cup competition match against Wellington at Westpac Stadium in Wellington.

Jack played part of the warmup match against Otago last week and trained well this week, while at blindside flanker is fellow Crusader Joe Wheeler. He's recovered from a shoulder injury, but coach Kieran Keane said whether he starts depends on how he comes through further rehabilitation in the next couple of days.

The 22-man squad features no fewer than 11 players making their Makos debut, although some, like hooker Francis Smith, tighthead prop Fai Mika, No8 Tasi Luafutu and halfback Steve Alfeld have played at this level for other provinces.

Great news for the Makos is the inclusion of prop Hamish Cochrane on the sub's bench, having made big progress from serious off-season back surgery.

Marlborough's two teenage new caps, hooker Vernon Fredericks and first-five Daniel Hawkins have both been named on the bench, but there is no place in the squad for former Auckland lock Anthony Elisala. Keane said that if Wheeler is not fully fit in time, Glenn Gregory will replace him in the starting 15 and Elisala will move on to the bench.

Mid-fielder Sione Holani and lock Ben Coman were not considered for selection due to injury. Kamana is also recovering from a hamstring niggle and if he fails to pass muster, Jack Umaga will take his place on the bench.

The Tasman Makos team to play Wellington at 4.35pm on Sunday is: Robbie Malneek, Blair Cook, Kade Poki, Tom Marshall, Afeleki Pelenise, James Marshall, Steve Alfeld, Tasi Luafutu, Jonathan Poff, Joe Wheeler, Chris Jack (cpt), Jarrod Aberhart, Fai Mika, Francis Smith, Sam Prattley.

Subs: Vernon Fredericks, Hamish Cochrane, Glenn Gregory, Shane Christie, Kaide Whiting, Daniel Hawkins, James Kamana.


 

 

Aberhart, Jarrod Alfeld, Steve Choose Player, Christie, Shane Cochrane, Hamish Coman, Ben Cook, Blair Elisala, Anthony Franks, Ben Fredericks, Vernon Gregory, Glen Hadfield, James Hawkins, Daniel Holani, Sione Jack , Chris (C) Kamana, James Koloamatangi, Tevita Luafutu, Poutasi MacDonald, Quentin Malneek, Robbie Marshall, Tom Marshall, James Mika, Fai Moore, Craig Pelenise, Afeleki Poff, Jonathan Poki, Kade Prattley, Sam Smith, Francis Umaga, Jack Wheeler, Joe Whiting, Kaide ... more