Makos B team ends Otago's dream run
22-Sep-2008
 
The Tasman Makos B rugby team brought Otago B's unbeaten run to an emphatic end with an upset 29-16 win in Dunedin on Saturday.

Tasman produced a physical display to send shockwaves around Carisbrook after outscoring Otago four tries to one. The bonus-point victory was Tasman's first of this season's national B championship campaign and signalled another positive step forward.

Otago appeared unsettled by Tasman's physicality as effective, scrambling defence and Tasman's aggressive approach combined to produce a winning formula.

Tasman led 10-6 at halftime following a sole first-half try to captain and lock Kahu Marfell, after a strong midfield break by winger Steve Sasagi had put Tasman in a strong attacking position.

Otago snatched the lead briefly after the break when No 8 Cam Goodhue crossed for the home team's only try of the match.

But a spirited finish saw Tasman storm home through tries to Sasagi, first five-eighth James Foote from an 80m intercept, and finally to centre Maia King after he tiptoed cleverly down the touchline after a Nick Makea-inspired attack.

Tasman's defence was put under genuine pressure during the opening 20 minutes but held firm as Otago's frustration began to mount. Tasman's scrum also came under fire from a well-drilled Otago pack early on but improved significantly.

Otago eventually began to run out of steam. Tasman's forwards produced a concerted, unified effort in which flanker Shane Christie played a starring role.

Sasagi's powerful running created problems for Otago's defence, while fullback Isikeli Ratulevu's sound positional play and hard running was also a feature. Derek Arnold (midfield) and Sete Sauqaqa (wing) made strong impacts as second-half replacements.

Tasman's next match is against Canterbury B at Trafalgar Park on Saturday at 2.30pm.

Tasman Makos B 29 (Kahu Marfell, Steve Sasagi, James Foote, Maia King tries, Foote 3 cons, pen)
Otago B 16 (Cam Goodhue try, Glen Dixon 3 pens, con) Ht 10-6.

 

 

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