Tasman claim bonus point win in Dunedin
A 47-21 victory over Otago under theroof of Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin this afternoon has sent the Tasman Makoback to the top of the Mitre 10 Cup premiership rugby standings and ensuredthem a place in the NPC semifinals.
BY PETER JONES [Marlborough App]
Tasman set up their seventh win of theseason with a superb first half display, scoring four tries, all converted bythe assured and influential Mitch Hunt, to lead 28-0 at the turnaround. Withtheir forward pack dominating at both set pieces and the breakdown, the Makowere able to effectively shut the home side, and their supporters out of thecontest.
However, a rev-up from the Otagocoaching staff, who suggested the home side could either run up the white flagor the Blue and Gold flag after the break, seemed to have paid dividends whenthey fought back into the game almost immediately.
Their revival was short-lived though,with Tasman staying in the fight. Although Otago narrowly won the second spell,the Mako added three more tries, including a brace to flying fullback WillJordan who picked up a hat-trick, to keep the home side at arm’s length.
Mako head coach Leon MacDonald said hewas particularly happy with the first half display. "We played the way wehad trained and planned,” he said, "but the second half didn’t really goto plan. It’s becoming a bit of a habit that we have to sort out.”
As they did against Wellington in theirprevious game, the Mako tight five stood up and took control of their areas,setting a solid platform for some potent attack.
"Our scrum and lineout wasoutstanding tonight and our mauling was also good … plus some of our finishingwas much better than in recent weeks, which has been a work-on for us,"MacDonald said.
"Some of our defensive work wasalso outstanding, our line speed and breakdown intensity especially broughtpressure.”
He pinpointed the work of flanker Ethan Blackadderand Jordan for special mention.
"Ethan has played every minute of the campaign and he’s trained everytraining – then he goes out and plays like he does every week, he’s been a realsoldier for us this year and a top leader. Will [Jordan] was also particularlygood today.”
Next Thursday the Mako play Hawke’s Bayin Nelson to complete the round robin phase of the competition.
MacDonald said having another game sosoon would put pressure on their squad, "almost like a Storm Week”.
"It’s a quick turnaround so it’sgoing to be about regrouping quickly … we don’t want to miss an opportunity fora home semi so it is a really important game for us.
"We’ve just got to bottle up thatfirst half and hopefully see more of that from now on,” MacDonald added.
Scores:
Tasman 47 (Mitch Hunt, David Havili,Andrew Makalio, Will Jordan 3, Tima Faingaanuku tries, Hunt 6 con) Otago 21(Matt Faddes, Sio Tompkinson, Slade McDowall tries, Tompkinson 3 con). HT 28-0.
Premiership standings after week eight: Tasman 38, Canterbury 37, Auckland36, Wellington 29, North Harbour 29, Counties Manukau 16, Taranaki 13. NOTE:Auckland have two more games to play, the other teams only one.
