Mako back with a win over Turbos

By Jack Malcolm [Nelson App]

Tasman got their so-called ‘Storm Week’ off to the best possible start in Palmerston North tonight, picking up a much-needed bonus point win as they downed the Manawatu Turbos 36-26 in a match which they dominated from the outset.

Ahead 17-0 after 13 minutes Tasman took an early grip on proceedings before the home side forced their way back into proceedings.

While Manawatu bagged two tries of their own before halftime, feeding off Tasman’s errors, the visitors scored their third to lead 24-12 at oranges.

With lop-sided penalty count in their favour, the Mako bagged two more tries in the third quarter to push 24 points clear as the benches were emptied.

Two converted tries in the final eight minutes inflated the home side’s scoreline and remined the Mako that they have a lot more work to do if they are to tip over some of the higher-ranked sides in the Bunnings NPC.

And they won’t have to wait long to get their opportunity to do just that, hosting Wellington at Trafalgar Park on Wednesday, then Taranaki at the same venue on Sunday.

Tasman’s effort tonight was certainly a step up from recent efforts, scoring some superb tries and producing the sustained pace and accuracy on attack that has been absent.

Head coach Gray Cornelius was happy with the performance.

“It is good to get five points in the bag,” he said, “and for the lads to gain some confidence.

“We have had a bit thrown at us over the last few weeks so it is great to get what we came here for. Onwards and upwards … it is perfect timing for the week coming up too. We are pretty excited about what lies ahead for the rest of the week.”

While there were plenty of heroes for Tasman tonight, the return of skipper Quinten Strange and All Black Leicester Fainga’anuku could not be underestimated.

“They are our leaders and our backbone, they have been awesome this week and in camp … it showed out there with their performances tonight as well, I thought both were outstanding. You can’t put a price on leadership and experience,” said Gray.

Another to shine was open side flanker Braden Stewart who was heavily involved on both defence and attack.

“He keeps on churning out those sort of performances … he’s pretty tough and going really well,” said Gray.

A pivotal change for tonight’s match saw Willie Havili come in at first five for Campbell Parata, with Havili taking his chances with both hands.

“I’m stoked for Willie,” said Gray, “I thought he controlled the game well, especially in the 10-minute period when we had a man in the bin, and his kick game was excellent.”

This season Tasman have not had the luxury of operating behind a dominant scrum. Consequently, the penalties and momentum created at the set piece are not forthcoming. While the scrum was generally stable in Palmerston North, except for one notable and costly tight head, this is an area of concern.

Gray said it was “a work in progress”.

“What hasn’t helped is having to use different combinations each week, especially with late changes … so we are hoping to get a bit of rhythm and combinations working together this week, which should help in that area.”

Score: Tasman 36 (Macca Springer 2, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Taine Robinson, Quinten Strange tries, Willie Havili 4 con, pen) Manawatu 26 (Brett Cameron, Siua Maile, Tima Fainga'anuku, Adam Boult tries; Cameron 3 con). HT: 24-12 Tasman

Funds needed

As the Tasman Mako grapple with their own ‘Storm Week’ the Tasman union have chosen to support those impacted by the region’s devastating floods by donating to the Nelson Tasman Mayoral Relief Fund.

For every ticket sold to Wednesday night’s Mako v Wellington match and Sunday’s Mako v Taranaki game, the TRU is donating $3 to the Relief Fund.

Tasman Rugby Union CEO Lyndon Bray says the donation is about showing support for the region.  “As a group, our staff and players feel for everyone impacted by the recent weather event. We want to make a difference for those affected and contributing to the Nelson Tasman Mayoral Relief Fund is going to get support where it’s most needed.

As well as heading along to the games at Trafalgar Park, members of the public can also make their own $3 donation to the Nelson Marlborough Mayoral Relief Fund by texting STORM to 3493. The $3 will show up as a charitable donation on your phone bill.