Marko the Mako says...
Undefeated after 5 rounds would have had a nice ring to it had defeat not been snatched from the jaws of victory on Friday night in front of a gob-smacked Trafalgar Park home crowd of 3,300 spectators.
The reaction from our fans in social media especially has ranged from being supportive to the team to strong annoyance to utter dismay. One thing is for certain, the 22 players who played that game were the most gutted of all. They care deeply about the Makos and our supporters and sponsors, and the hurt they felt for themselves and for their fans post-match was visible to all.
The coaches and team quickly parked that match and taken on board the lesson dealt. Although it is in the Makos DNA to have a crack, one thing is for sure is that this team won’t make the same mistake twice.
Taranaki are a very good side and they hung in and capitalised on the last opportunity available to them after the siren had sounded so it’s congratulations to them on their 31 – 30 victory.
The Makos played some outstanding rugby, especially in the first half, and the forwards competed strongly against one of the bigger packs in the competition.
Quality first half tries built on team work and skill were created for flanker Pete Samu and lock and captain Joe Wheeler. The Wheeler try in particular has been prominent in post-match highlights.
Both tries were converted by Marty Banks who also kicked a penalty to give the Makos a 17 – 6 half-time lead.
Taranaki came back strongly in the second half with two tries of their own, one converted to edge ahead 18 – 17.
A further Makos try to half-back Jimmy Cowan, converted by Banks restored the lead. An exchange of penalties set the Makos up with a 30 – 24 advantage with full time up. Rather than kicking the ball dead on the siren, the Makos went through 3 more phases before conceding a penalty turnover which Taranaki capitalised on to go the length of the field for a try to Naholo which Marty McKenzie calmly converted for the win.
Taranaki 31 (Blade Thomson, Seta Tamanivalu, Waisake Naholo tries, Marty McKenzie 4 pens, 2 cons) v Tasman 30 (Pete Samu, Joe Wheeler, Jimmy Cowan tries, Marty Banks 3 pens, 3 cons). HT: 6-17
Right wing Bryce Heem was awarded the team’s Mako Man award. He has settled into 15-a-side rugby very well following his campaign with the NZ Sevens and has proved dangerous on attack and robust in defence.
TONIGHT the Makos play the Southland Stags in Invercargill (7.35pm) and have a quick turn-around heading to Wellington for another away match on Sunday (21 Sept, 4.35pm).
The Makos next home game is at Trafalgar Park, Nelson against Otago on Sunday 28 Sept at 2.35pm. This is the Farmlands Family Day and kids big and small are encouraged to come in their favourite animal onesie.
Fins Up, Marko
