Centre of excellence is Tasman backbone [Nelson Mail]
Kieron Fonotia has finally learned to appreciate the value of genuine hard work.
In a rugby context, the bullocking 108kg Tasman centre has been part of the Makos' setup since 2011, and while there's always been clear evidence of his ample talent and potential, he admits there have been occasional form issues.
That's all changed this season.
Along with his talented midfield partner Tom Marshall, he's become the key midfield component in Tasman's spectacular ITM Cup rugby championship success. And Fonotia's been quick to identify the reason for his own impressive form this season.
"Consistency has always been my biggest issue throughout the years, so it's been a big work-on for me," he said.
"I've put the finger on [the fact] that my fitness has probably never been up to scratch and this year it has."
A member of this year's Crusaders Knights team, Fonotia credits a gruelling pre-season as part of the Crusaders' extended training squad as a key factor in his rugby renaissance.
With Crusaders' trainer Mark Drury cracking the whip, Fonotia has emerged a much more reliable and damaging player.
"It was probably the hardest thing I've ever experienced in my life. All my coaches have pointed out that fitness has been an issue, but I seem to have it under control this year. Everything [the Crusaders] did, we did, so it was pretty tough work.
"I'm enjoying it a lot more this year as well, you know, keeping up with the play."
The 25-year-old centre's key role this year has been to bend or break the opposition's defensive line and to create opportunities for pacey wingers James Lowe and Mitchell Scott, and fullback Robbie Malneek. There's ample power in his frame, which constantly varies between 105kg and 108kg, and he's enjoying the rewards.
"I'd rather play at this weight than 100kg, it gives me a bit of confidence in myself."
Last Sunday's win over premiership team Taranaki confirmed a home championship semifinal for the Makos in what has already been the province's most successful season in their brief eight-year history. So far this year, they've won seven of their nine games, including last week's record-breaking 64-28 win over premiership team Waikato.
"It was a pretty awesome feeling," said Fonotia of the Makos' eight-try demolition of Waikato at Trafalgar Park. "Everything we did sort of paid off and everyone [had] the same mindset of running hard and those offloads . . . it was more about not pushing passes, it just happened."
Even Sunday's scratchy win over Taranaki in New Plymouth, with Fonotia and Marshall both starting off the bench, provided a positive insight into the team's development.
"That's the difference between this Tasman team and the one I've been in the last few years, we're winning those [games] when we're playing ugly, so that's always a good sign."
Barring injury, the Fonotia-Marshall combination will undoubtedly be restored for Sunday's final regular season match against Manawatu in Blenheim.
"Playing with Tojo [Marshall], he makes my job a hell of a lot easier, just talking me through stuff."
With currently fifth-placed Manawatu's hopes of a semifinal berth dependent on them beating Tasman and Counties-Manukau beating fourth-placed Southland, Fonotia said there would be no complacency in the Makos' camp.
"They're tracking pretty well after that big [72-7] loss to Canterbury, so we'll be taking them really seriously and looking to put them to the sword and carry some form into the semifinal.
"I've never gone into a game thinking I'm going to lose, but I reckon we should get the job done if we play like we know we can."
Tasman's first-ever home semifinal has suddenly also brought the prospect of hosting a home final into focus, although Fonotia said no-one was daring to think too far ahead.
"It's obviously at the back of the mind, but you do take one game at a time.
"This year, I've never really looked past the team we're playing that week."
That means Manawatu at Lansdowne Park on Sunday as Fonotia contemplates his 31st appearance for the province and an opportunity to add even more gloss to an already memorable campaign.
