Makos find kinship in boxing training [Nelson Mail]
BONDING TIME: Tasman Makos players Bryce Heem, left and James Lowe get some boxing advice from boxing trainer ''Muzz'' during training at Results Gym.
There is something distinctly Australian about rugby players getting into punch-ups with teammates, but Tasman Makos coach Kieran Keane has encouraged it . . . in a controlled environment, at least.
As part of their preseason training and induction week, the Makos have been hitting the bags and focus pads to change things up. But after a number of sessions in Results Gym this week, the team were given an unexpected challenge.
"As soon as they realised they were sparring, the whole vibe changed, they were excited about that," said Keane.
The ropes came out, the headgear went on and mouthguards were popped in. It was two, one-minute rounds for some, and none for those featuring in today's Car Company Division One club rugby final at Trafalgar Park.
Just as well, because some of the punches were prodigious.
Standing at 1.96m and weighing in at 113kg Liam Squire is only 2cm shorter, but 2kg heavier than world heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko. And he packed a pretty heavy straight right that both Joe Wheeler and Reuben Northover copped, though the other big men certainly gave as good as they got.
As you would expect from those who dance down the sidelines, Bryce Heem showed some fleet-footed movement and combination hooks with both hands. His opponent, Andrew Symons, was a good, squared-up fighter with efficient straight punches.
Tevita Koloamatangi and Gary Redmond were probably the most disciplined fighters, sparring two evenly contested rounds.
A tackling machine on the field, if awards were being handed out George Stowers would have won the most scientific fighter. His defence and evasive manoeuvres meant Vernon Fredericks didn't tag him with many shots. The ones Fredericks landed, however, had a fair bit of sting behind them.
Apart from the athleticism and distinct lack of puffed fighters, one other constant remained, every round ended with a respectful touch of the gloves.
Keane was very happy with the week's work, and hoped that the brotherhood many sparring partners reportedly develop would permeate through the team.
"The thinking [behind the boxing] is just a little bit of togetherness, bonding and to share a bit of pain together," said Keane.
"Generally it was to give them something fresh and new and upskill them.
"Boxing is more about defence as opposed to attack all the time, that was a highlight because defence is a big part of rugby."
Trainer, and referee, Murray Fifield from Results Gym said the Makos had taken to boxing like a shark to burley and he was quite impressed with the flair some showed for the sweet science.
"They have been great, a pleasure to train," said Fifield.
"Good camaraderie, heaps of energy, and a good work ethic.
"There are a few dark horses in there as well. Liam and George were good, but there were a lot of standouts actually."
The bystanders certainly enjoyed the show the Makos put on yesterday, but today the combatants were due to turn spectators as the Makos playing for club sides Wanderers and Waimea Old Boys beat each other up.
And, before long, the team will line up together in the mighty blue-and-red corner as they begin their title fight for the ITM Cup.
