Tasman men make solid start

The Tasman Mako men’s side kick started their 2023 season with a hard-fought 33-19 win over Manawatū at Lansdowne Park on Friday evening.

It was the first of two pre-season hit-outs for Tasman, the other coming up against Canterbury in Hanmer on Friday.

With the Mako keen to get an early test of their mettle, the Turbos provided an ideal opponent, being strong at set piece, breakdown and able to maintain long periods of possession.

Consequently, Tasman’s defence was given a stern workout, something that pleased co-head coach Gray Cornelius.

“We certainly got what we wanted out of [the game],” he said.

“They were a very competitive team and I was really proud of our defensive effort. That was a big work-on from last year and, while we certainly weren’t perfect, we saw plenty of good intent.

“We didn’t see too much of the ball in the first half … but we managed to take the scoring chances that were presented to us, which was pleasing as well.”

The squad had been in camp in Waikawa for the week, providing a solid launch pad into the season, said Gray.

“It’s been awesome to have all the boys there to enjoy each other’s company … it’s a great start. We are a lot closer than where we were at the same time last year. It helps having some keys guys back and also getting older, experienced guys on the park will be important for us.”

He was impressed with the efforts of blind side flanker Tim Sail “who toiled hard”, plus Western Force hooker Feleti Kaitu’u “who only arrived last week”.

“He has fitted in really well and showed glimpses of what he could potentially do for us,” added Gray.

Winger Jack Gray and the versatile first five/fullback Stewart Cruden, both members of the wider training squad, also got a mention.

The first half ended in a 12-12 stalemate, despite the Turbos having much of the possession with a bitterly cold breeze at their backs.

Against the run of play Mako fullback Taine Robinson opened the scoring with an intercept try, before Manawatū winger Te Rangatira Waitokia replied midway through the spell. Five minutes later Tasman winger Gray bagged the first of his two tries, Robinson converting, then Manawatū midfielder Kyle Brown finished off a sweeping 75m counter-attack to level things up.

Using the breeze astutely, Tasman took the initiative immediately after oranges, Gray scoring his second.

As the benches emptied after 60 minutes, offering opportunities for all to impress, it was an old hand that struck next, Mitch Hunt scoring with his first touch, then converting his try and one to Irish winger Colm Hogan to push the home side to an unbeatable 33-12 lead.

A late penalty try to Manawatū for a high tackle on the line completed the scoring and a satisfying evening for both sides, but particularly Tasman.