Makos quite magnificent [Fairfax]
The Tasman Makos clearly aren't into doing anyone any favours this season.
OK, so they might have bombed a sure thing two weeks ago against Taranaki. But after ruining Southland lock Josh Bekhuis' 100th game in Invercargill last Wednesday, the Makos were back in history-making mode yesterday, compounding Wellington's miserable season with a comprehensive 42-20 ITM Cup rugby win.
It was Tasman's first ever win over Wellington after five previous defeats, with the Makos' five tries to two victory yesterday clinically highlighting the two sides' contrasting fortunes.
Having lost to Canterbury in last year's premiership final, Wellington's season is now in turmoil after slumping to their sixth straight defeat. Tasman's impressive effort also came just four days after a tough win over Southland in Invercargill, leaving coach Kieran Keane lauding his team's efforts.
"I'm really happy. This team keeps creating a bit of history and I'm pretty pleased for them," Keane said.
"It's been a tough three games, so they showed a lot of character, even though they probably weren't at their best. They were quite clinical at times and a bit inventive too at times, so yeah, I was pretty pleased and thrilled to get that piece of history - and that was a big focus for the week."
Apart from two late tries to Wellington props Tolu Fahamokioa and Eric Sione - both scored in identical circumstances as Wellington's forwards finally got some weigh on near Tasman's line - the Makos had appeared in control for virtually the entire match.
Once again they scored some spectacular tries, winger James Lowe displaying his pace and power to score his second brace in as many games. However, flanker Pete Samu laid claim to arguably the most spectacular try when he dispossessed Wellington flanker Brad Shields near Tasman's own quarter before sprinting about 75m late in the second half.
Tasman had led 21-6 at halftime on the back of two superb first half tries. After controlling much of the early possession for no reward, it took a lineout turnover from inside their own half for Tasman to open the scoring after 16 minutes. Right winger Bryce Heem showed impressive pace on the outside to set up fullback Robbie Malneek for a try in the corner.
Lowe was in just three minutes later from an attacking Liam Squire lineout win, Lowe's pace too much for the defence as he also dived in at the corner. Marty Banks' sideline conversion earned him the distinction of becoming the first ITM Cup player to score 100 points this season as Tasman took a handy 12-0 lead midway through the half. Banks and Wellington No 10 Willie Ripia then traded a series of penalties to put Tasman ahead 21-6 at halftime.
It took just five minutes after the break for Tasman to increase their lead to 28-6, lock Alex Ainley cashing in on a scything 60m break by centre Kieron Fonotia to crash over from the resulting ruck on the line.
Lowe secured Tasman's bonus-point try shortly afterwards, tighthead prop Ross Geldenhuys having featured in the build up with a powerful carry, as the visitors distanced themselves at 35-6. Samu's scorching effort was sandwiched between Wellington's two late tries as Tasman justifiably celebrated a milestone win.
There were star performances right across the park as Ainley and Geldenhuys both featured throughout with ball in hand. Samu, Shane Christie and No 8 Squire were again central to Tasman's dominance in the loose, with fresh legs in the second half helping to re-energise Tasman's performance. Prop Siua Halanukonuka's arrival also helped to shore up a scrum that had occasionally misfired before the break.
Fonotia enjoyed his best performance of the season and formed an effective midfield combination with David Havili. However, everyone contributed to an outstanding defensive effort as Wellington struggled to achieve any momentum until their two late forward surges earned the home team some muted rewards.
Even that wasn't enough to cloud Keane's impressions of what he considered to be a solid allround team performance.
"I thought we were in command for the entire game, so we're pretty happy about it," he said. "There's always things to do and we'll attend to those, but I think it's been a massive three games for us. It's put us back in the hunt and long may it continue."
Captain Christie also enjoyed the moment and another brush with history.
"It's pretty exciting for us," Christie said.
"The boys should be happy and pretty proud of ourselves. We came up here ready for a big battle and I think we performed pretty well and we'll go home pretty happy.
"We're excited about the season. We're working hard every week and just looking forward to each and every game."
Tasman are back at home next Sunday when they host Otago at Trafalgar Park.
- The Nelson Mai
