Mako open with a win

The Tasman Mako got their 2021 season off to an almost perfect start in Tauranga today, overcoming Bay of Plenty 27-14.

While the Mako missed out on a potential bonus point, they got the job done in what was expected to be a very tricky Bunnings NPC season premiership opener.

Tasman led 13-7 at the break, scoring their first try just minutes before halftime, following two earlier Mitch Hunt penalties.

Left winger Mark Telea was the initiator, breaking down the flank before in-passing to halfback Louie Chapman who in turn fed midfielder Tim O’Malley, who crossed under the posts.

The home side reclaimed the lead immediately after oranges, a couple of Mako errors gifting them field position from where Sean Wainui scored, Kaleb Trask’s conversion giving the Steamers a 14-13 lead.

Within minutes though, the visitors are back in front. Hunt kicked to the corner following a penalty and from the ensuing maul hooker Quentin MacDonald crashed over.

Hunt’s conversion raised the flags and the Mako led 20-14 as the impetus began to swing their way.

Seven minutes later they repeated the dose, MacDonald showing patience and strength to bag his second on the back of another rolling maul from a lineout. Hunt’s third conversion gave Tasman a 13-point lead, their staunch defence and timely input of energy from their bench players keeping the Steamers at bay until the final whistle.

Tasman’s win was based on resolute defence, coupled with clinical breakdown work, against a handy side who contested everything on the ground. Another bonus for the Mako was their lineout work, capturing all their ball and snaring several of the Bay’s throws as well.

Loose trio Sione Havili Talitui, Jacob Norris and Hugh Renton were outstanding, while wingers Telea and Jim Tavatavanawai, making his debut, made ground whenever they touched the ball.

MacDonald and All Blacks prop Tyrel Lomax, who was released for the match by the international management late in the piece, were strong up front, along with Pari Pari Parkinson and rookie Antonio Shalfoon.

Goodman happy

Tasman’s head coach Andrew Goodman said he was “stoked” with the effort.

“Round one matches are a bit of an unknown, especially against a quality side like Bay of Plenty up here, so we are just happy to come away with the four points.”

“The effort up front was superb … our lineout was outstanding both on our ball and theirs. Dan Perrin has been working hard with that group right throughout the club season, Antonio Shalfoon came on well and then we were able to bring on Super Rugby experience with Quin [Strange] at the end.

“Jim [Tavatavanawai] was outstanding, just a ball of energy … things seem to happen when he is around the ball.”

With Finlay Christie being ruled out after an injury at All Blacks training, rookie Louie Chapman and the returning Jack Grooby shared the halfback position.

“It was great exposure for both of them,” said Andrew, “they will be happy with their first-up performances and there is some stuff for them to look at to get better in the coming weeks.”

Despite the pleasing result, Andrew said there were plenty of areas to improve, such as phase defense and kick chase, plus some tweaks on attack before they tackle a strong Auckland side in Nelson next Saturday, kick-off 2.05pm.

Tasman 27 (Quentin MacDonald 2, Tim O’Malley tries, Mitch Hunt 3 con, 2 pen) Bay of Plenty 14 (Sean Wainui, Luke Campbell tries, Kaleb Trask 2 con). HT: 13-7 Tasman.