OPINION: Mako seize opportunity to develop depth

OPINION: Makoseize opportunity to develop depth 

By Peter Jones [MarlboroughApp]

If securing five points, while exploring their depth of talent,was Tasman’s objective at Lansdowne Park on Saturday, the afternoon was anunqualified success. 

Not only did they over-run the Manawatu Turbos 64-3, they alsoshowed that there is a rich vein of ability running right through the squad,enough to cover the ups-and-downs of an NPC season.    

Players such as hooker Hugh Roach, flanker Jacob Norris,midfielder Tim O’Malley, wingers Tima Faingaanuku and Jamie Spowart were given astarting opportunity and seized their moment eagerly. 

Front rowers Sam Moli and Isaac Salmon, new halfbackUchida Keisuke, plus utility back Fetuli Paea grabbed bigminutes off the bench, their input providing the second half momentum that sawfive more tries added to the home side’s tally. 

Mako co-head coach Andrew Goodman said one of the best things tohave come out of the match was the input of lesser-utilised players. 

“It was good to see a couple of boys have their first games [forthe Mako] plus a couple of guys that hadn’t played many minutes this year, soit was great to build that depth in our squad heading into a busy part of theseason.” 

“We were mostly happy with our execution today, although there werea few missed opportunities in the first half which we will look to work on,just around that support player being really clear in his communication.

Thingswe can certainly get better at.” 

Goodman is well aware the Mako have painted a sizeable target ontheir backs, given their three-from-three opening to the Mitre 10 Cup campaign,but said there will be no overconfidence or taking selection for grantedleading into their next match [away against Taranaki].   

“I think what we have created now, especially with this game, isgood competition for spots so we will keep driving that every day. 

“We will enjoy this win tonight and then we will get onto the‘Naki, which we know is always a tough game, especially upthere.”    

A totally new face for Mako fans to identify with was second halfreplacement Keisuke, a 22-cap Japanese international. He looked sharp andhungry for work, maintaining the speed of the game while not afraid to have asnipe around the breakdown. 

“He is going to be a valuable addition to our squad,” suggestedGoodman. 

“It was great to see Atu [Moli] and hisbrother Sam out there playing together, a special moment for their family. Itwas Atu’s first game for the union and Sam came onand played really well. We also had Tim [Perry] back, another one who playedrugby in the Marlborough region, so it was great to have those guys back andcontributing, they brought excitement, having not played for a while.” 

The All Blacks’ squad is named on Wednesday, meaning there is achance the Mako could lose a player or two to international duty, with Jordan Taufua also apossibility to be picked up by Samoa. Goodman is unfazed by the possibledisruption. 

“We’ll just wait and see what happens. Obviously we have ourfingers crossed that the boys make those teams … we’ll celebrate any success weget with any of our boys making those [World Cup] squads.  

“We have built some good depth now so we’ll just keep working onthat.” 

Saturday’s comprehensive victory also underlined the growingreputation of Lansdowne Park as an increasingly tough venue to beat the homeside at. Tasman have now won nine in a row in Blenheim since losing to Aucklandin September 2015, creating something of a “Fortress Mako” in the eastern sideof the region.   

“That’s awesome,” said Goodman, “the boys love coming over here,especially on days like this when the sun is out.  

“It’s great to see the crowd out today, supporting the team, andI’m glad the boys put on a good show for them.” 

Next up is Taranaki, 4.35pm next Sunday in NewPlymouth.