Tasman Makos: News

Wheeler injury still a worry
30-Jul-2010

Nelson Mail - WAYNE MARTIN
A niggling shoulder injury to flanker Joe Wheeler is causing Tasman's rugby selectors some concern ahead of Sunday's opening ITM Cup clash against Wellington.

Wheeler was named at blindside flanker yesterday for Sunday's season opener at Wellington's Westpac Stadium, although Tasman Makos head coach Kieran Keane indicated that the two-metre, 111-kilogram loosie will start only if he comes through fitness tests over the next two days.

Wheeler injured his shoulder during Tasman's opening pre-season match against a Buccaneers Selection at Brightwater almost four weeks ago and aggravated it five days later against Canterbury in Blenheim.

Glen Gregory has been placed on standby as Wheeler's replacement should the shoulder fail to respond to treatment, in which case Anthony Elisala would move on to the bench.

Wheeler will be hoping to make his 23rd appearance for the province, having started 11 of last year's 13 matches at lock. He also made two appearances at blindside flanker against Canterbury and Hawke's Bay.

Other players not considered for selection were midfielder Sione Holani, who is expected to be out for another two weeks with a medial knee ligament strain, and lock Ben Coman, who also has an injured shoulder.

Holani's absence means that Tom Marshall and Kade Poki will begin the season as Tasman's new midfield pairing. An extremely versatile player, Marshall was the first-choice fullback during the New Zealand under-20 team's unbeaten campaign at the recent IRB Youth World Cup in Argentina. His selection also gives him the opportunity to wear the No12 jersey outside his older brother, James, who will be playing his 14th match for Tasman at first five-eighth.

Marshall will be one of 11 players making their national provincial championship debuts for the province. New halfback Steve Alfeld, No8 Tasi Luafutu, lock Jarrod Aberhart and the all-new front row of Fai Mika, Francis Smith and Marshall's New Zealand under-20 team-mate, Sam Prattley, are also in the starting lineup, with hooker Vernon Fredericks, flanker Shane Christie, halfback Kaide Whiting and first five-eighth Daniel Hawkins the new faces on the bench.

Winger James Kamana has been named on the bench after having also injured his hamstring against the Buccaneers Selection. Like Wheeler, he will be required to pass a fitness test, with Jack Umaga placed on standby.

Ad Feedback Fullback Robbie Malneek and flanker Jonathan Poff will both be making their 42nd appearances for Tasman as the team's two most experienced players.

Former All Black lock Chris Jack has already appeared five times for Tasman over the past few seasons, but will be starting for the first time as team captain after a limited pre-season buildup following minor knee surgery.

Canterbury tighthead prop Scott Vessey remains with the squad as a loan player, although Tasman under-20 prop James Hadfield has been added to the side as extra cover. Tasman's front-row resources have taken a hammering this season, with Zac Taulafo and Tristan Moran having left the province and Ben Franks being selected for the All Blacks.

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