Tasman Makos best rugby players recognised in team of the decade
In considering the Tasman Makos' best players from the past decade, it would be tempting perhaps to simply list the entire 2014 team as the standard-bearer. That's it - done deal.
Certainly, last year's squad has been Tasman's most successful since they first stepped tentatively onto the field against North Harbour at Blenheim's Lansdowne Park on July 30 2006. Their 36-32 loss to Taranaki in last season's premiership final ended a remarkable season in which they won nine of their 12 games, including two wins over Canterbury, and drew 16-16 with Auckland at Eden Park.
But if it's true that adversity breeds character, then some of Tasman's earlier years on Struggle Street uncovered some quality talent, honed by pressure and an absolute determination to make the country's newest rugby province a success.
Tasman Makos Team of The Decade
The evolutionary process was clearly evident last season, nine players earning selection in Tasman's Team of the Decade.
Hooker Quentin MacDonald, locks Alex Ainley and Joe Wheeler and flankers Liam Squire and Shane Christie have joined record-breaking first five-eighth Marty Banks, centre Tom Marshall, winger James Lowe and evergreen fullback Robbie Malneek among the starting lineup. Props Siua Halanukonuka and Tim Perry, halfback Jimmy Cowan and centre Kieran Fonotia sit among the reserves.
Former Makos, Samoan international Sakaria Taulafo and All Black Ben Franks, bookend MacDonald in the front row with classy 52-game veteran Mark Bright at No 8. Another Samoan international, Kahn Fotuali'i, slots in as starting halfback, former captain Andrew Goodman wears the No 12 jersey and Kade Poki is on the right wing.
Of all the positions, winger and loose forward provided the most contentious selection issues.
Lowe's pace and power, not to mention his record-breaking nine ITM Cup tries last season, confirmed him as a logical wing selection although his partner sparked a lengthy debate surrounding the merits of players like Poki, Peter Playford, Lucky Mulipola, Blair Cook, James Kamana, Afeleke Pelenise and more recently Bryce Heem and Peter Betham, who went on to represent Australia at test level.
Betham appeared like a comet in 2012 - brief but spectacular - and staggered a national audience with his try-scoring ability. However, Poki's eventual inclusion was borne of 40 games over four seasons of consistent performances in often under-achieving teams. The decision went upstairs though, with the TMO making a hairline call.
As a loose forward trio, Bright, Squire and Christie would bless any representative team in the country. There was still plenty of competition, with Cory Holdaway, Jack Lam, Glen Gregory, Jordan Taufua and Tevita Koloamatangi among the contenders.
And like Betham, Taufua's light flickered all too briefly in Tasman's ranks. Ti'i Paulo and Dan Perrin also highlighted some genuine quality at hooker.
Every good team needs a coaching staff and it's no surprise that the current duo of Kieran Keane and Leon MacDonald would run the cutter.
Let the debate begin.
