Tasman collaboration kicks off

The Tasman Mako men's rugby team officially launched their season in Blenheim today, happily sharing the limelight with a namesake.

They teamed with a long-time sponsor, Motorworld Marlborough, to kick start their season on this side of the Whangamoas, prior to playing their first NPC match on Sunday.

A large group of players and management fronted up at Motorworld’s Scott St base where they helped celebrate the launch of the new Kia Tasman, the brand’s first pick-up truck.

A series of vehicle-related activities were staged, including a tug-of-war between members of the Mako with a Tasman truck in the middle of the combatants, and a relay race involving tyre changes, towbar installation and loading.

The large collection of youngsters who turned out to greet the players were able to experience lineout lifts with the Mako lads, grab autographs and take part in kicking drills, the afternoon capped off when all the Tasman team squeezed on board one of their namesakes.

Tasman take on Bay of Plenty in Tauranga on Sunday, with a 2.05pm kick off.

Former All Black Ethan Blackadder, who has been named on the openside flank for Tasman on Sunday, says he is thrilled to be back in the Mako camp.

"I have missed the place ... I have only been back for bits and bobs over the last few years, so to be back for the whole season is awesome, eh," he said.

Although he is on the fringe of All Blacks selection, and could be called up if there are injuries, Ethan is fully focused on provincial play.

"I am looking forward to the whole NPC campaign - that's all I am thinking about - that's my priority," he says.

The hard-nosed loosie is also relishing being back in the renowned Mako culture.

"There's no team like it ... the culture is so unique.

"It has been handed down from the senior players ... they started it and it is up to whoever is there now to keep showing the way ... it has just been a consistent snowball."

Sunday will be the first time Ethan has worn the seven jersey for Tasman in an NPC game, but says he is "happy to play in any position".

He admits Tasman has pulled together a strong squad but is wary of reading too much into that.

"Everything looks good on paper but we just don't buy into that ... rugby is a game where you have got to earn the right every week.

"We have got some amazing players but it doesn't mean anything - we have to work hard as a team and get the results that way," he added.