Auckland have only managed two wins this season while Tasman are chasing the playoffs. The hosts have also won their last three at home, so we are sticking with them here.
Key Stats - Tasman Winning Run at Home
- Tasman have won 3 consecutive home games.
- Tasman have won 6 of their last 7 home matches against Auckland.
- Auckland have lost 4 of their last 5 fixtures.
- Auckland have lost 9 of their last 10 away games.
Tight History
Tasman lead Auckland 9-6 in their last 15 NPC encounters.
Tasman Three Wins at Home in a Row
Tasman scored three tries and two conversions in the first half against Otago last weekend, going into the break trailing 28-19.
The Tasman Makos scored two converted tries in the second stanza, but had no answer against Otago during the match, losing 57-33 away from home.
Before that, the Makos defeated North Harbour 31-29 at home, lost 50-19 away to Hawke's Bay, and defeated Counties Manukau 50-35 away and Southland 46-17 at home, respectively, and lost 20-10 away to Northland before beating Wellington 42-28 at home.
Tasman are sixth in the National Provincial Championship standings with 21 points from seven games.
Tasman must win to keep their hopes of reaching the play-offs alive, and will fancy their chances against Auckland, as their opponents struggle when playing away from home, having suffered nine defeats in their last ten outings.
Auckland Struggling for Form
Auckland scored three tries and two conversions in the first half against Counties Manukau last weekend, going into the break leading 19-7.
In the second half, Auckland added three converted tries and a penalty to their score to register a 43-33 home win over Counties Manukau.
Earlier in their campaign, the team from Eden Park lost 38-31 to Canterbury away and beat Wellington 34-31 at home before losing 44-31 at home to Hawke's Bay, 27-19 away to North Harbour, and 22-19 at home to Bay of Plenty.
Auckland are 11th in the National Provincial Championship table with 14 points from seven matches.
Auckland will be pleased to have picked up a victory in their previous fixture, but face a tough assignment away to Tasman, as they have lost six of their last seven visits to their opponents' stadium.
Team News & Lineups
Tasman Mako
Maloni Kunawave scored a brace against Otago last weekend.
Kyren Taumoefolau, Macca Springer, and Nic Sauira each contributed a try.
Cooper Grant landed four conversions in the match.
Starting XV: Tom Heywood, Eli Oudenryn, Ryan Coxon, Jake Frost, Antonio Shalfoon, Lopeti Faifua, Johnny Lee (C), Shannon Frizell, Mitch Drumond, William Havili, Macca Springer, David Havili, Cooper Roberts, Kyren Taumoefolau, Maloni Kunawave
Replacements: Richie Asiata, Moli Monu, Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Hunter Leppien, Rory Scott, Mason Lund, Cooper Grant, Nic Sauira
Auckland
Tevita Latu, James Arscott, Harlyn Saunoa, Xavier Tito-Harris, Rico Simpson, and Cody Vai scored a try each against Counties Manukau last weekend.
Alex Harford landed five conversions in the match, while Rico Simpson kicked over a penalty.
Starting XV: Joshua Fisitu'a (C), Soane Vikena, Angus Ta'avao-Matau, Tai Cribb, Harvey Cordukes, Randall Baker, Caleb Woodley, Che Clark, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Alex Harford, Harlyn Saunoa, Xavi Taele, Nikolai Foliaki, Xavier Tito-Harris, Rico Simpson
Replacements: Nathaniel Pole, Ben Ake, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Liam Hallam-Eames, Titi Nofoagatotoa, James Arscott, Garouw Basson, Payton Spencer