Mako remain on track for 'three-peat'

A tenacious display of goal line defense saw Tasman survive a late Hawke's Bay onslaught to book a place in their third consecutive NPC Premiership final this afternoon.

Tasman showed plenty of grit to repel a long period of goal line attack by the home side before replacement Levi Aumua snatched the crucial turnover that sealed the 33-27 win.

The Mako made the perfect start in Napier, Andrew Makalio rumbling over from a maul as the visitors took an early 10-0 lead.

Hawke's Bay didn't take long to strike back, Danny Toala creating the reply for Jonah Lowe before captain Tom Parsons sneaked blindside to score a second for the hosts.

A stunning bust by Leicester Fainga'anuku which saw the big centre break three tackles set up fullback Andrew Knewstubb for the try.

A fortuitous fourth followed through winger Timoci Tavatavanawai, despite replays showing a clear forward pass to Macca Springer who made the initial linebreak.

Marino Makele-Tu'u reduced the deficit with the game's sixth try on the stroke of halftime to send the sides to the shed at 25-17 after what was an enthralling first forty.

Hawke's Bay opened the scoring in the second as lock Geoff Cridge powered over to make it a one point game.

Then Lincoln McClutchie put the Magpies in front for the first time with a superb long range penalty.

The turning point came in the 68th minute when Fainga'anuku picked off a poor Magpies pass and showed great speed to race 60m and reclaim the lead.

Hawke's Bay rode back-to-back penalties and threw its strongest weapon at Tasman, the rolling maul.

However, the Mako held firm and will now meet the winner of Waikato and Canterbury next weekend in the grand final.

Scorers:

Tasman 33 (Makalio, Knewstubb, Tavatavanawai, Fainga'anuku tries, Hunt 2 cons, 3 pens) Hawke's Bay 27 (Lowe, Parsons, Makele-Tu'u, Cridge tries, McClutchie 2 cons, 1 pen)