Aucklanders bring Makos' run to an end
Tasman Makos reserve prop Ross Geldenhuys wrestles with the tenacious Auckland defence.
The Tasman Makos' hopes of beating three big-city sides within the space of 10 days were dashed by a clinical, abrasive Auckland team at Lansdowne Park on Sunday afternoon.
After downing Wellington last Friday and North Harbour on Wednesday the table-topping Makos entertained the notion of making it three-from-three in Blenheim. However the visitors from the City of Sails had other ideas, winning 28-19 to end their opponent's unbeaten 2015 NPC run at six matches.
Auckland had first use of a cold, blustery wind and dominated both territory and possession to lead 20-6 at the break. A try just before halftime was matched by another straight after the interval, providing the necessary breathing space the visitors required to hold on against the inevitable Tasman comeback.
Makos coach Kieran Keane was philosophical. "Personally I thought we were up for the game. But it just seemed to be a bridge too far for us," he said.
"We just dropped off and didn't fire a shot really in the first half. We were into a strong wind, did a lot of defending … unfortunately for us that try before halftime just exemplified some of the issues we had.
"We had a real go in the second half. Certainly I think the attitude was there but we just weren't good enough tonight."
Even the most pro-Makos fan would be hard-pressed to deny the Aucklanders' their victory. They came out with a spring in their step, freshened after a week off, and rocked the Makos with their physicality, especially at the breakdown. Carrying the ball close to the edges they made easy metres, robust cleanouts ensuring they were able to recycle the ball quickly. Tasman, on the other hand, were constantly pressurised in that vital area. Led by the scavenging loose trio of Mitch Karpik, Akira Ioane and Joe Edwards the Aucklanders contested everything on the ground and, on occasion, managed to keep Makos players from getting the ball to the deck, forcing turnovers.
The honours were even at the set pieces, both lineouts working effectively and the scrum battle even until Tasman gained ascendancy in the final stages.
Auckland's backline, superbly marshalled by the Hickey brothers, Jono at halfback and Simon in the 10 jersey, looked dangerous throughout, the powerful George Moala in midfield especially impressive.
To their credit, Tasman battled hard to remain in the game. With the aid of the strong breeze they levelled up the territory and possession stats in the second spell, closing to within six points with 14 minutes to go. However, a penalty goal to former Nelson College standout Mitch Hunt pushed the visitors outside the range of a converted try and ultimately denied the Makos a precious bonus point. Twice, with the deficit at nine late in the piece, the home side decided to kick for touch rather than take a simple penalty attempt. On both occasions they came up short, some questioning the wisdom of their decision-making. But coach Keane was not apportioning blame. "It's all in the battle. Sometimes the boys think they can have a go, I'm with them, go and have a go … may we should have, maybe we shouldn't have. The fact of the matter is that's what they did so we live with it."
A late reshuffle among the backs after Kieron Fonotai failed to recover from a knock suffered against Harbour saw Tasman start the match with David Havili at centre, Trent Renata in the 10 jersey, Marty Banks at fullback and Trael Joass at second five.
Unfortunately for the crowd of around 6000 those players barely got to see the ball in the first spell, their most promising attack being pulled back for obstruction.
Edwards scored the visitors' first on the 20 minute mark, his powerful burst exposing weak defence around the ruck. Two Simon Hickey penalties were matched by two from Banks, before Moala struck a critical blow on the stroke of halftime, battling his way to the line after Tasman's defence, led by Havili, had repelled the intial attack.
Banks notched his third penalty immediately after halftime before centre Vince Aso scored the clincher into the wind, chasing through after a superb Simon Hickey grubber kick to score. The absence of Renata, binned shortly before halftime, left the Makos short in cover defence.
The binning of Jono Hickey also proved costly for Auckland, popular local lad Joe Wheeler stretching out a long arm to score. Banks' conversion and a subsequent penalty reduced the deficit to six, before Hunt stepped up to silence the crowd and send Tasman toppling to their first defeat.
Scorers: Auckland 28 (Joe Edwards, George Moala, Vince Aso tries, Simon Hickey 2 pen, 2 con, Mitch Hunt pen) Tasman 19 (Joe Wheeler try, Marty Banks 4 pen, con) Ht 20-6.
