Wellington have yet to win this season, giving Tasman the perfect opportunity to bounce back from their away loss last weekend.
Key Stats - Wellington on Horrific Run
- Tasman have won 3 of their last 5 fixtures.
- Tasman have won 5 of their last 6 home matches against Wellington.
- Wellington have lost 7 consecutive games.
Tasman Dominant
In their last nine NPC encounters, Tasman lead 9-2 against Wellington. At home, Tasman have beaten Wellington in five of their last six.
Tasman Comfortable at Home
Tasman scored a converted try and a penalty in the first half against Northland last weekend, going into the break with the score level at 10-10.
The away side could not add any more points to their tally in the second stanza, losing 20-10 away to Northland.
Earlier in their season, the Makos edged North Harbour 31-29 at home and lost 50-19 away to Hawke's Bay before beating Counties Manukau 50-35 away and Southland 46-17 at home.
Tasman are seventh in the National Provincial Championship standings with 15 points from five games.
Tasman will fancy their chances of returning to winning ways when they host Wellington this weekend, as their opponents have lost all five league fixtures this season.
Wellington Seven Losses on the Bounce
Wellington had a solid first half against Counties Manukau last weekend, scoring three converted tries, but went into the break trailing 21-26.
The Wellington Lions added two converted tries to their score in the second half, but came away empty-handed, losing 46-35 to Counties Manukau at home.
Before that, Wellington lost 52-33 to Hawke's Bay at home, 34-31 away to Auckland, 47-7 to North Harbour at home, and 61-22 away to Otago.
The Lions are last in the NPC table with four points after five rounds.
Wellington have had a poor campaign so far, and will have to improve their form to beat Tasman, as they have suffered five defeats in their last six visits to their opponents' stadium.
Starting Lineups & Team News
Tasman
Eli Oudenryn scored the only try for his club against Northland last weekend.
Con: William Havili landed a conversion and a penalty in the match.
Starting XV: Ryan Coxon, Eli Oudenryn, Vea Taumoefolau, Jake Frost, Antonio Shalfoon, Lopeti Faifua, Johnny Lee, Tayne Hemopo, Mitch Drumond, William Havili, Nic Sauria, David Havili, Cooper Roberts, Kyren Taumoefolau, Maloni Kunawave
Replacements: Richie Asiata, Tom Heywood, Jake Wetere, Hunter Leppien, Rory Scott, Wil Thornalley, Cooper Grant, Macca Springer
Wellingto
Alex Hewitt, Reo Matsushita, Hugo Plummer, Divad Palu, and Riley Williams each scored a try against Counties Manukau last weekend.
Cameron Burgess slotted all five conversions in the match.
Starting XV: Geordie Bean, Penieli Poasa, Alex Hewitt, Caleb Delany (C), Hugo Plummer, Dominic Ropeti, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Rupeni Raviyawa, Riley Williams, Callum Harkin, William Davis, Losi Filipo, Matt Proctor, Divad Palu, Cameron Burgess
Replacements: Kaleb Saxon, Jake Turnbull, Bradley Crichton, Murphy Taramai, Matolu Petaia, Logan Henry, Jackson Ropata, Reo Matsushita