Blazing start burns to ashes [Marlborough Express]

The Tasman Makos were hammered 39-13 in a frenzied National Provincial Championship match in Dunedin, a remarkable final scoreline given the visitors' scintillating start.

Andrew Goodman scored a brilliant try inside 50 seconds for the Makos as they launched a breathtaking attack from the kickoff, with fullback Tom Marshall handling twice and Peter Betham also featuring.

For the first quarter hour the Makos dominated possession and launched attack after attack on Otago's line at Forsyth Barr Stadium. Hayden Cripps scored another super try on the half hour, handling twice as Betham made the incision and Robbie Malneek played a clever link role.

However, the Makos were not ruthless enough and they failed to take a couple of other opportunities while Otago hung in, defended strongly and inevitably the tide turned.

Centre Jayden Spence scored on the back of a piece of quick thinking and individual brilliance from winger Buxton Popoali'i as he took a quick throw-in near halfway, burst through the defence and from the resulting breakdown the ball went wide for a fine try.

Despite dominating territory and possession, the Makos led just 13-10 at halftime and failed to score another point.

Otago emerged from the changing sheds a different team, upping the intensity, dominating everywhere, varying their tactics well with high kicks and quick ball movement.

Their 72kg Japanese halfback Fumiaki Tanaka sparked much of their attacking play, kicking astutely and making several incisive runs.

Another key area that cost the Makos was goal kicking. Andrew Goodman started but once he'd missed a couple, Hayden Cripps took over and slotted one from two.

Otago first-five Hayden Parker was lethal, landing four conversions, two from near the sideline, and two penalties.

The result was obviously very disappointing for a Makos team who travelled south confident of scoring their first win over Otago in this competition.

However, there remain issues at the breakdown as they struggled to turn over any Otago ball, they fell off tackles and for periods in the second half simply couldn't get their hands on the ball, lacking the intensity and hunger of their southern rivals.

There is also at least one injury concern after prop Campbell Johnstone limped off with a leg injury just before halftime to be replaced by Sam Prattley.

Individually, winger Betham was brilliant in the first 20 minutes when his forwards were dominating and Malneek, too, was full of pace and purpose. Marshall was classy at fullback and the forwards were certainly laying a winning platform.

However, matches last for 80 minutes, not 20, and by letting Otago stay in the fight they eventually won the battle in a knockout decision by a scoreline that would have surprised most punters.

Skipper Goodman summed it up afterwards.

"We started well then went to sleep. Our attitude [was an issue]. They showed up. They were committed to the breakdown. Unforced errors killed us again.

"We just have to get some pride back in the jersey."

Disappointed Makos coach Kieran Keane felt that missed opportunities in the first 20 minutes cost his team dearly and felt it could easily have been a different game altogether if they had turned more of those opportunities into points.

What happened in the second half in particular did not please him at all. "We were flat for most of that game and quite passive. We paid attention all week to the breakdown and tackle, both were disappointing.

"Heads went down in the second half which was really disappointing and that showed a lack of fight which was pretty disappointing.

"I was embarrased by our performance. Otago were very gutsy and showed a lot of mental toughness. They deserved to win. A tremendous effort by them."

He said, they are the authors of their own demise at present

One thing you certainly get with this Makos team is full value for money as far as entertainment is concerned.

Their attack and approach to the game is breathtaking and when it comes off it's brilliant to watch.

However, it's often the smaller things and attention to detail that win games in this competition and it's just not happening at present. Things like possession not being looked after well enough or wrong decisions at key moments are proving very costly.

Leading into the match, coach Kieran Keane said: "I've asked the players which road they are going to take. If they take the wrong one our season is in jeopardy.

"If they take the tough road and stay with the fight, we are back in the hunt."

Well despite taking a wrong turning and losing, they are still very much in the hunt of making the top four.

Yesterday's loss leaves them third equal on points with Northland, four behind Otago and 11 behind runaway championship leaders Counties Manukau.

It gets even tougher for Tasman this week when they play premiership side Waikato in Hamilton on Thursday night.

Then we will really see how much this Makos side want to stay in the fight.

One thing is certain - they'll need to do one hell of a lot better than yesterday's poor effort.