Makos face tricky assignment in Napier
Loose forward Tevita Koloamatangi, pictured in action against Hawke's Bay in Blenheim the last time the sides met, is coming into form at the right time for the Tasman Makos.
Tasman Makos' coach Leon MacDonald feels his charges are close to finding their top form. But it needs to be soon.
Coming off a disappointing loss to Otago, followed by a patchy winning effort against Northland, they face another difficult assignment on Saturday.
The Makos travel to Napier to take on Hawke's Bay, the only team below them on the national provincial championship premiership table, but a traditionally tricky opponent.
MacDonald said the team's structures were coming together and they were creating plenty of opportunities. "But the thing that let us down last week was our personal skill set. Just little handling errors and decision-making errors.
"When we get it right we can score good tries, like Shannon Frizell's, which was on the end of seven phases of good, hard work. That showed we can do it. The belief is there, I don't think we are far away at all."
One issue the coaches and players must address is their slow starts, which immediately put them behind the eight ball against Otago and Northland.
"When you look at a tape of the [Northland] game, if you took the first 20 minutes out, there was some good stuff out there as well, but it was a horrible first 20."
MacDonald said the pre-match preparation appeared on track, but some individual errors in the opening minutes conspired to "throw the team off course".
Despite their early stutters, the Makos eventually got the job done against the Taniwha, registering their third win of the campaign. However, a lack of four-try bonus points leaves Tasman only five points ahead of Hawke's Bay whose only win came last week against Southland, and dangerously close to the relegation zone. A win on Saturday would go a long way to easing nerves on that front.
The Makos coaches have stuck with the same backline they fielded against Northland, the only change to the backs coming the bench with Alex Nankivell replacing Tim O'Malley.
Up front the propping shuffles continue, All Black Kane Hames starting at loose head and Ross Geldenhuys at tighthead. Tim Perry drops to the bench, joined by stalwart Siua Halanukonuka who returns from injury, replacing Blair Princep. Alex Ainley has been named at lock, pending a fitness test, with Shannon Frizell joining a strong-looking reserves bench. Loosie Ethan Blackadder, who impressed during a short stint against the Taniwha, will also provide impact off the pine and must be close to earning a starting position.
Tevita Koloamatangi was another to stand out last week, stepping up as the game went on. " He's a really popular player in our team," said MacDonald, "he's a good team man, a pretty proud Makos man."
The Hawke's Bay side is studded with Super Rugby players. They will be guided around the paddock by the livewire All Blacks halfback Brad Weber and Ihaia West, both constant threats with ball in hand, as is winger Robbie Fruean. Loose forward Tony Lamborn, lock Mark Abbott, front-rowers Ash Dixon, Ricky Riccitelli, plus former Makos prop Ben May, are at the core of a gritty forward pack.
Surprisingly, given the talent at their disposal, the Magpies have lost their last five encounters against Tasman, including the thrilling 2013 championship final in Nelson.
MacDonald isn't reading much into those stats, or the fact the TAB favour Tasman, and feels Hawke's Bay are a better team than what their record shows.
"Their backs are well and truly against the wall. They desperately need a win, they are at home, it is the 50 year anniversary of the 1966 Ranfurly Shield team, there will be a lot of emotion up there.
We have to take the points table out of the equation, they are a quality side. It's going to be a tough game for us."
At a glance
Saturday, September 24
Tasman Makos v Hawke's Bay Magpies at McLean Park Napier - kick off 7.35pm.
Referee: Angus Mabey
Tasman Makos: Mitchell Hunt, Tima Faingaanuku, Kieron Fonotia, David Havili, Caleb Makene, Marty Banks, Billy Guyton; Pete Samu, Shane Christie (captain), Tevita Koloamatangi,Quinten Strange, Alex Ainley, Ross Geldenhuys, Andrew Makalio, Kane Hames.
Reserves: Jesse MacDonald, , Tim Perry, Siua Halanukonuka, Ethan Blackadder, Finlay Christie, Alex Nankivell, Trael Joass.
Hawke's Bay: Matt Garland, Robbie Fruean, Jonah Lowe, Tiaan Falcon, Mason Emerson, Ihaia West, Brad Weber; Fa'alemiga Selesele, Tony Lamborn, Trent Boswell-Wakefield, Mark Abbott, Geoff Cridge, Ben May, Ash Dixon, Ricky Riccitelli.
Reserves: Jorain Tangaere, Jason Long, Tolu Fahamokioa, Ross Filipo, Ben Hamelink, Chris Eaton, Billy Ropiha, Ryan Tongia.
Previous years:
2015 No game
2014 Tasman 35 Hawke's Bay 15 (Blenheim)
2013 Tasman 26 Hawke's Bay 25 (championship final, Nelson)
2013 Tasman 18 Hawke's Bay 9 (Nelson)
2012 No game
2011 Tasman 21 Hawke's Bay 19 (Napier)
2010 Tasman 21 Hawke's Bay 7 (Blenheim)
