Tasman too strong for Taniwha

It was a long wait between drinks but the Mako restarted their NPC campaign with an impressive win over a game Northland side in Whangārei this afternoon.

Tasman ran in eight tries in the 48-29 victory to move to the top of the premiership table, as they bid for three consecutive titles in 2021.

The Taniwha struck first in through Blues halfback Sam Nock who sneaked over from the base of the ruck.

It didn't take long for the defending champions to respond, Jacob Norris scoring on the back of a rolling maul.

Sione Havili was forced from the field after 20 minutes, replaced by Anton Segner.

Leicester Fainga'anuku showed his tremendous power as he muscled over for Tasman's second.

Mitch Hunt went in moments later, a TMO referral ruling him onside as he chased a clever chip kick by halfback Jack Grooby.

Scott Gregory pulled one back for the hosts following some strong work from the pack.

Then, despite a desperate cover tackle from Sam Nock, Mark Telea managed to find the grass as the Mako bagged a bonus point before halftime.

Northland refused to go away however and got its third right on the stroke of half-time through Kaliopasi Uluilakepa, to leave his side trailing just 24-15 at the break.

Skipper Jordan Olsen brought the Taniwha within two as the hooker struck first to open the scoring in the second, before the Mako produced their best attack of the match.

Fainga'anuku's second pushed the margin back past a converted try with the centre again showing his finishing prowess. Then, a scorching try followed as Hunt bust through the Northland line and threw a beautiful pass to winger Timoci Tavatavanawai.

The Mako really began to flex its muscles late, Talea scoring his second to put Tasman into the forties.

Taine Robinson and Max Hicks were given their Mako debuts with 10 minutes remaining.

Northland scored a well-deserved consolation through Raikabula Momoedonu but Tasman had the final say as Shannon Frizell capped their third win of the season, and first b0nus point victory, with a close-range effort.

Scorers:

Tasman 48 (Norris, Fainga'anuku 2, Hunt, Telea 2, Tavatavanawai, Frizell tries, Hunt 4 con) Northland 29 (Nock, Gregory, Uluilakepa, Olsen, Momoedonu tries, Reihana con, Cooper con)