Tasman Makos: News

Makos Trial gives coaches food for thought
03-Jun-2009

By Wayne Martin - Nelson Mail

One important aspect about rugby trials is keeping the selectors happy.

Tasman Makos selector-coaches Bevan Cadwallader and Kieran Keane were unanimous in their approval of yesterday's representative trial at Trafalgar Park as most of their prospective Air New Zealand Cup squad were put through their paces.

It certainly wasn't indicative of all the talent available to them this season, with 22 players either injured or unavailable. However, Tasman's new coaching duo were satisfied with the players' commitment and overall skill levels as the Red Team ran out 34-24 winners over the Blue Team.

The match generated 10 tries, plenty of movement and a general willingness to keep the ball alive in ideal running conditions.

"It took five or so minutes for the game to iron out a few kinks but overall, it was a great day for it and enabled the guys to express themselves a wee bit, so they put their hands up and gave us some food for thought, really," said Cadwallader.

"I think there was a real willingness to play the game and there was some really positive energy there, considering they'd played a full club round on Saturday, so there were some sore bodies."

He said the trial had helped to underline some of their thoughts and planning.

"We've got a bit of a plan in place and there were some guys who reinforced our thinking. There were some really positive performances out there by a few and we'll go back and have a look at the video and analyse it a wee bit and get some more thoughts on what we've seen.

"I was generally pleased with the effort and the attitude."

Keane summed up the more positive aspects of the spectacle in one word.

"Athleticism. We don't have bulk, so we're going to have to be skilled and quick and tenacious.

"There are question marks still over a couple of things but, you know, it's starting to come together. There's a little bit of athleticism there and that's what we're looking for."

Most trials usually uncover some genuine scene-stealers and Red lock Joe Wheeler emerged as one of the game's more conspicuous performers. The abundantly skilled forward epitomised Keane's call for athleticism, adding two tries and a difficult sideline conversion to complement his core roles of ball winner and carrier.

Red flanker Shane Christie was prominent at the breakdowns and on defence and young Blue team lock James Foster was also notable for his set-phase execution. Blue hooker Quentin MacDonald again impressed with his mobility.

Ad Feedback Opposing halfbacks Shaun Begg and James King each had strong games, while former Manawatu first five-eighth Matty James showed glimpses of his skills in his first game back since returning from an off-season in Wales. His clever kick and chase and long pass to set up Durrant's second try revealed fine attacking instincts, although he was up against another instinctive player in James Marshall, who also featured in the Red Team's attacking play.

Red midfielder Sione Holani has already worn the Mako's jersey at Air NZ Cup level and looked to stake another strong claim with some strong first-half running, including the initial break to set up fullback Derek Arnold's opening try.

Arnold, Wheeler and Begg scored Red's first-half tries, with Blue winger Ali Durrant scoring the second of his two tries right on halftime to leave the Red team ahead 17-12 at the break.

George Millar has already represented the Marlborough sub-union at fullback this season but he revealed some genuine pace in bagging his two second-half tries from the wing.

Substitute midfielder Kahn Fotuali'i and pacey young fullback Tom Marshall scored the Blue Team's second-half tries, Marshall beating the Red defence from about 50m out, leaving Wheeler to appropriately seal the issue with the game's final try just 10 minutes from time.

There was genuine mobility among both sets of forwards as a pointer to the brand of up-tempo game the Makos are likely to adopt this season.

The coaches' final thought processes won't be revealed for another five weeks, though, when they announce their first lineup on July 5.

Red Team 34 (Joe Wheeler 2, George Millar 2, Derek Arnold, Shaun Begg tries, James Marshall con, Wheeler con) Blue Team 24 (Ali Durrant 2, Kahn Fotuali'i, Tom Marshall tries, Matty James 2 cons) Ht 17-12.