Tasman Buccaneers draw with Counties in pre-season
BY PETER JONES [Marlborough App]
The Tasman High-Performance XV drew their pre-season rugby match 26-26 against Counties Manukau at Mountford Park, Manurewa today.
The early forerunner to the Mitre 10 Cup gave players from both provinces a chance to work on combinations and try out potential squad members, resulting in a fast, open encounter on a hard, dry track.
Tasman head coach Leon MacDonald was satisfied with the Buccaneers’ effort, although not necessarily the outcome.
"There was some good stuff in there actually, a lot of skill from both teams.
"We were a bit disappointed not to get the result … I know the result in these games is probably secondary but when you play really well, and we let them score three tries in a row right at the very end, that was disappointing.
"On the other side of that, compared to the Hawke’s Bay game we were miles better, so there were lots of things to be pleased about.”
MacDonald singled out a few individuals for special mention.
"Jordan Taufua and Tim Perry both ended up starting and were really good. They played 40 minutes each and brought a whole new level to the group, with their experience and leadership.
"Jordan and Kieran Read [who played 40 minutes for Counties] had a great battle – two starting No 8s of a decent quality … that was worth watching.”
He also praised the efforts of first five Willie Havili who came off the bench and showed that he is "making good progress”.
Starting open side flanker Jacob Norris had an outstanding game along with halfback Ben Finau, who cleared the ball expertly, and prop Blair Prinsep who demonstrated a complete tight forward’s skill set.
The Mako management made eight changes at halftime, MacDonald impressed with the way the newcomers quickly settled into their respective roles.
Tasman was forced to make a late change to the team when loosie Anty Burnett broke a wrist at training. Hugo Nankivell came into the starting line-up with Isaiah Miller adding to the reserves. "Both those guys at late notice did a great job,” said MacDonald.
"Counties were well drilled and played some good rugby … put us under a lot of pressure. The pleasing thing is that four or five times we withstood that pressure when they put over 12 phases together through their big ball-carriers.
"We have made some good progress on our defence.”
Tasman final warm-up match is against Wellington on August 9 at the Renwick Domain, kick-off 2pm.
Scorers: Tasman Buccaneers 26 (Tomas Aoake, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Isaiah Miller, Hugo Nankivell tries, Tim O’Malley con, Willie Havili 2 con) Counties Manukau 26.
