A win for the ages [Nelson Mail]
MEET THE PEOPLE: Tasman Makos lock Joe Wheeler gets in among the fans after his side’s impressive win over Canterbury on Saturday.
This was a win for the ages.
For a team credited with one of the more adventurous attacking mindsets in the ITM Cup, the Tasman Makos showcased some equally impressive defensive credentials in Saturday's staggering 38-10 win over Canterbury at AMI Stadium in Christchurch.
It was another history-making Tasman performance - their first win over Canterbury in Christchurch, and the perfect tribute for skipper Shane Christie in his 50th appearance for the province.
Dynamic left wing James Lowe's two tries also saw him equal the Makos' individual season try-scoring record of seven, set last year by No 8 Liam Squire.
First five-eighth Marty Banks also continues to set new standards, his four conversions creating a new invidual season record of 31, surpassing his own mark of 29 last year. He also pushed his season tally to 143 points.
But while the Makos scored five tries to one, the real story of Saturday's remarkable win was all about stifling, unrelenting defence as they subjected a shell-shocked and depleted Canterbury side to their third straight defeat.
Tasman had already scored three tries - to second five-eighth David Havili, Lowe and halfback Jimmy Cowan - with a Banks penalty pushing them out to a 24-10 lead with 15 minutes remaining.
But two late intercept tries to Banks and Lowe inside the last five minutes - both the result of Tasman's suffocating, in-your-face marking - saw the scoreline balloon well out of Canterbury's reach.
Tasman coach Kieran Keane admitted to some early anxiety as Canterbury's commitment at the breakdowns put Tasman's defence squarely to the test. However, he said his players showed equal measures of resolve and resilience in absorbing a torrid opening 15-minute onslaught.
"Initially I was a bit concerned, but I had the distinct feeling that these boys were well up for this game," Keane said. "It's our big one of the year and to a man, they were willing to give everything."
Predictably, Keane couldn't have been happier with the defence.
"I don't think our defence has been as good as that [before], and the discipline [associated with] it was one of the most pleasing aspects.
"We've always been known as an attacking team and a counter-attacking team, but that [defence] was stoic, and I think it frustrated Canterbury."
More than anything, Keane was pleased for his players and particularly for his skipper.
"It's one for them to savour and it's one for our captain - that was very much in the front of everybody's minds. We wanted to honour his contribution because he's been a very good captain for us, so I don't think the boys could have done it better for him."
All the early momentum had been with Canterbury as Tasman conceded four penalties inside the first 10 minutes. Canterbury's only reward, though, was a fourth minute three-pointer to No 10 Richie Mo'unga.
It took a rare incursion into Canterbury's quarter for Tasman to score the opening try, Lowe slotting Havili through a gap from an attacking scrum to put the visitors ahead 7-3 after 22 minutes.
Heem, Malneek and Fonotia again featured in the action shortly after the restart. All three were involved following a sweet Heem incision to set up Cowan for Tasman's third try and a handy 21-3 lead.Tasman stunned the locals nine minutes later when Lowe scored their second try, after fellow wing Bryce Heem had defused a bomb kick inside his own half. The ball was moved left, centre Kieron Fonotia punching through out wide before offloading to irrepressible fullback Robbie Malneek, who flicked a slick no-look pass to Lowe for a thrilling try and a 14-3 halftime lead.
By now desperate for points, Canterbury finally got themselves back in the contest when outstanding flanker Matt Todd scored just moments later to help reduce the deficit to 21-10.
It was a fitting reward for their standout player in an otherwise outgunned Canterbury team, Tasman pouring on 17 points over the final 15 minutes to complete an outrageous win.
Tasman's performance was littered with heroes, particularly in their all-encompassing defensive effort, although their seamless performance in the absence of injured players Tom Marshall, Tim Perry, Pete Samu and Squire simply highlighted the effective contributions of Havili, Siua Halanukonuka, Tevita Koloamatangi and Vernon Fredericks.
Lowe is in commanding form at present, Malneek continues to express himself in typically effervescent fashion, and Heem's and Cowan's influence is becoming increasingly evident with each outing.
For Christie, though, it was the perfect celebration of a significant milestone. The experienced flanker is now the eighth player to have achieved 50 games for Tasman.
"It was a pretty special day for us and for me personally, and I suppose it's pretty enjoyable coming down here and getting a good win like we did - so yeah, a good one to remember," he said.
"It was [great defence]. In the second half especially, they threw everything at us, and we just managed to stick to what we'd planned during the week and it paid off - and we managed to get a few good tries at the end, which was probably on the back of good defence.
"We're just being consistent at the moment, keeping that good team morale going and enjoying the culture. It's an exciting competition, so we're enjoying it."
- The Nelson Mail
