Coach MacDonald pleased with result of "tough old fight"
The Tasman Mako are beginning to lookmore and more like the real deal in 2018.
BY PETER JONES [Marlborough App]
A 32-20 bonus point victory over thepreviously-unbeaten North Harbour team at Albany tonight has propelled DavidHavili’s side to the top of the Mitre 10 Cup table after three rounds.
The Mako mixed some spectacular,high-tempo rugby, combining off-loads and diligent backing-up, with efficientset piece play to maintain a slight edge throughout at QBE Stadium.
They led 22-13 at halftime, thensurvived a Harbour comeback where the home side closed within two points,before kicking clear at the end.
The Mako management will be hoping tosee more of All Black squad member Shannon Frizzel this season, the rangy looseforward starting slowly before demonstrating the class that earned him a blackjersey as the match opened up.
Also welcomed back was halfback FinlayChristie. He also looked a little rusty at the start, no surprise given hislengthy lay-off, but soon regained his mojo, passing cleverly, sniping withball in hand, backing up effectively and generally making good decisions.
The entire backline appeared moredangerous throughout. Mitch Hunt, who turned on some fancy footwork and againkicked well from the tee, Havili, Levi Aumua, Tima Faingaanuku, SolomonAlaimalo and Will Jordan appeared full of running and invention. Jordan’s tryin the 22nd minute was the product of a superbly-executed move,the sort that works sweetly on the training ground but rarely comes together onmatch day.
The forwards did not gave things alltheir own way, but by fulltime had won a comfortable points victory. At timesthe scrum threatened to completely dominate, then it came under pressure. Thelineout drive was effective, without producing points, while the lineout itselfwas generally secure on their own ball.
Jed Brown had another strong game, doinga lot of the unfashionable work, Ethan Blackadder at his side, while locksQuinten Strange and Pari Pari Parkinson are becoming pivotal at the heart ofthe set pieces.
Tyrel Lomax demonstrated why he isbecoming one of the most talked-about young props on the national scene.
When the Mako played their high-tempo,high-risk game they looked comfortable, more so than when they opted for astructured approach.
Long may they continue to employ theformer style. It won’t always come off, but it sure is exciting to watch.
Head coach Leon MacDonald described itas "a tough old fight, but we got there in the end”.
"I thought we played really well.We had a couple of calls that would have extended the scoreline [go against us]and a bit more attention to detail cost us a couple of tries … but we createdplenty and it was good enough for a win.
"I was really played with how wetook control in the second half. Our forwards stepped up and put the screws on.Mitch Hunt had an outstanding game at 10, using his boot well and getting thatbalance between keeping it tight and also using it to width as well.
"Shannon Frizell was a forcetonight … we obviously used him a lot, we wanted to getting our money’s worthwith him having only one week back with us … Levi [Aumua] was also busy inmidfield and gave us good go-forward.
"The forwards in general wereexcellent, Tyrel Lomax and the rest of the front row, the way they scrummed andmauled was brilliant.”
He also praised his side’s handling on aground heavy with dew.
Next up is a return trip to the City ofSails, taking on the unbeaten Auckland next Friday evening. MacDonald is happywith progress though and said "I think we are moving forward, ourstructure and attacking shapes are getting better and better so that’spleasing.”
Tasman Makos 32 (Will Jordan, TimaFaingaanuku, Shannon Frizzel, Finlay Christie tries, Mitch Hunt 2 pen, 3 con)North Harbour 20 (Matt Duffie, Gerard Cowley-Tuioti tries, Gatland 2 pen 2con). HT 22-13.
