Mako men ease past 'big brother' in Nelson

If provincial rugby teams have aspirations of performing well in the NPC they need to reach certain benchmarks.

For Tasman, that benchmark has always been their efforts against near-neighbour Canterbury, a province which continues to produce quality teams.

Today, at Trafalgar Park, the Tasman Mako underlined their credentials for success in 2024, beating their ‘big brother’ 22-7 with a disciplined, clinical display of points-gathering.

Although they scored just one try, to hooker Sam Moli from a lineout drive in the 20^th minute, they were the better side, dominating field position and created many more scoring opportunities.

Canterbury continually got on the wrong side of the referee’s whistle, being penalised almost twice as much as the home side, with first five Willie Havili the main beneficiary, landing five penalties and a conversion.

The Red and Blacks looked dangerous at times but their efforts were plagued by errors and ill-discipline, their only points coming from a converted try in the corner to winger Ngatungane Punivai soon after the halftime break, where Tasman led 13-0.

While the Mako, who were again well led by lock Quinten Strange, will happily take any win over Canterbury, there were several areas they could tidy up, notably their lineout work.

However, no-one would question their commitment and aggression today, led by winger Timoci Tavatavanawai. A crashing burst early in the match set the scene for another big game from the crowd favourite nicknamed ‘Jim’, his work over the ball at the breakdown another string to his bow.

Loosie Max Hicks had another top game, along with No 8 Fletcher Anderson, prop Ryan Coxon, hooker Moli, halfback Finlay Christie, centre Levi Aumua, winger Jack Gray and fullback Macca Springer.

A feature of the home side’s effort was their game management, particularly their decision to amass points on a difficult day for handling, rather than kick for lineout drives.

Also on show was some organised, desperate and disciplined Mako defence, foiling Canterbury’s best efforts whenever they got within scoring distance.

Next Saturday the Mako play Counties Manukau in Pukekohe, with a 2.05pm kick-off.

Scores: Tasman 22 (Sam Moli try, Willie Havili 5 pen, con) Canterbury 7 (Ngatungane Punivai try, Isaac Hutchinson con). HT: 13-0.

Meanwhile, Nelson College claimed the Miles Toyota premiership title with a narrow win over Christchurch Boys' High School in Nelson today.

The home side prevailed 20-17 after leading 12-10 at halftime. The scores were level at the 66 minute mark before Nelson landed a penalty to give them a lead which they maintained until the final whistle.

In the plate final, St Thomas beat St Bede's 31-17.

Mako women well beaten

Meanwhile, on Sunday, the Mako women travelled to Auckland to take on North Harbour in the Farah Palmer Cup championship.

After a hefty loss to Wellington in week one the Mako were looking to bounce back, but were well beaten, losing 46-5, by the Harbour Hibiscus, who lost to Otago at home last weekend.

The Mako were blown away by a fast-starting Harbour outfit, who scored five first half tries to lead 29-0 at the break. The home side repelled a strong Tasman resurgence straight after oranges then came away late in the game to score three more tries.

A ray of hope for the Mako was provided by loosie Fiaali’i Solomona, who scored their sole try, taking advantage of quick thinking from skipper Sui Pauaraisa. However, the visitor’s dominant moments were few and far between, with too many first-up missed tackles and handling errors to be competitive.

Next week Tasman are away to Otago on Sunday.