Key players back for Tasman clash

OTAGO has brought back some key players for its game against Tasman tomorrow.

The side is looking to return to winning form after its disappointing 3215 loss to Southland last Friday on a high.

No 8 Nasi Manu comes back into the team with Dylan Nel dropping to the bench.

Manu was inspirational against Canterbury two weeks ago but took a bang to the knee and missed the trip to Invercargill.

Halfback Kayne Hammington has rested a niggly Achilles and will start the game as Jono Hickey drops out of the squad.

Captain Michael Collins started the match at fullback in Invercargill before moving into centre. He will wear the No 13 jersey tomorrow with Vilimoni Koroi at the back.

Winger Jona Nareki had been struggling with a rib injury but it has improved.

Josh Timu misses out and is unfortunate. The centre has been playing well but, with plenty of depth and the need to have Collins on the field, Timu has been demoted.

Outside back Mitchell Scott is over a groin injury and gets a run in the reserves.

Up front, lock Josh Dickson is still not available because of a knee injury. Sef Fa’agase, who has played in the front row for Canterbury, Queensland and the Highlanders has come on to the reserves bench. Jonah Aoina has a slight back injury but Otago wanted to give Kaikora player Fa’agasesome game time as he may be needed in the next couple of weeks.

He will back up Jamie Mackintosh who continues to get the

start on the loosehead side.

Tasman travels south with its tail also between its legs. The side was top of the Premiership but was then hammered 290 by Canterbury in Blenheim last Saturday.

It has kept faith with most of the side which lost last week, the inform David Havili leading from fullback and Highlander Mitch Hunt steering the side round the park. Veteran lock Alex Ainley though is out of the squad while Quentin Strange, recognised at national level this year, is getting a run.

Tasman has it all to play for. Although second on the table, it could miss out on the top four of the Premiership if it loses and other results go against it.

A win would put Otago ahead of Hawke’s Bay and at the top of the Championship. Hawke’s Bay plays Taranaki in Inglewood on Sunday.