Four former All Blacks will run out for the Tasman Mako against Canterbury in their one and only pre-season NPC match in Blenheim today.
Noah Hotham, who missed all of the last Tasman campaign, will start at halfback with Timoci Tavatavanwai at second five.
Ethan Blackadder will play on the flank with Shannon Frizell, back from Japan, at No.8.
One of Shannon’s former Japanese club teammates, prop Vea Taumoefolau will start in the front row.
Vea and wing Jack Gray, who returns after an injury-interrupted club season, are the only non Super Rugby Pacific players in the starting 15.
Taine Robinson has been preferred at first five while Maloni Kunawave, who made one appearance for the Crusaders this year, will play fullback.
The team is: 1-Kershawl Sykes-Martin, 2-Eli Oudenryn, 3-Vea Taumoefolau, 4-Lopeti Faifua, 5-Antonio Shalfoon, 6-Johnny Lee, 7-Ethan Blackadder, 8-Shannon Frizell, 9-Noah Hotham, 10-Taine Robinson, 11-Kyren Taumoefolau, 12-Timoci Tavatavanawai, 13-Cooper Roberts, 14-Jack Gray, 15-Maloni Kunawave.
Reserves: Tom Heywood, Daniel Irvine, Sione Mafi, Tayne Hemopo, Hunter Leppien, Rory Scott, Matt Lowe, Mason Lund, Cooper Grant, Leo Marfell, Izzy Kamana, Nic Sauira.
Kick-off 1pm at Lansdowne Park.
