Tasman Makos: News

Otago snatches narrow victory
21-Jul-2009

By JOHN ALEXANDER - The Nelson Mail

Lapses in concentration cost the Tasman Makos victory against Otago in their Air New Zealand Cup rugby warm-up match at Trafalgar Park on Saturday, the visitors snatching a late 33-32 win.

Embarrassing soft tries in the first and 78th minute, another gift in between and the final result were the disappointing features of an entertaining match that also produced plenty of positives for Tasman.

Each team scored five tries but the Makos looked significantly more creative around the park.

About 1500 turned out to watch on a fine but cold windy day on a pitch left quite slippery by recent rain.

While the result meant nothing, Makos coaches Kieran Keane and Bevan Cadwallader were obviously disappointed they did not get a momentum-building win.

Most had hardy settled into their seats before Otago put first points on the board, first-five Chris Noakes strolling past some woeful defence from a scrum to score under the posts and convert in the second minute.

The two teams looked rusty in the early exchanges, dropping passes, throwing inaccurate passes and turning over possession.

The Makos settled after giving up the early try and hit back with a fine try in the 21st minute. Halfback Kahn Fotuali'i kicked a long clearance downfield, and Otago failed to clear well enough. Fullback Robbie Malneek broke through from the weak clearing kick and Kade Poki carried the move on and flicked a pass up to first-five Matty James to score and convert.

Winger James Kamana gave the Makos a 12-7 lead when he scored, No8 Mark Bright and flanker Jonathan Poff making the hard yards off a scrum.

Playing into the wind in the second half, the Makos struck first. Hooker Daniel Perrin darted towards the line from a lineout, Poff surged closer and prop Tristan Moran burrowed over out wide.

Otago accepted a gift shortly afterwards when No8 Steven Setephano dived over, capitalising on a dropped Tasman pass, and Noakes converted.

Fifteen minutes into the second half, Andrew Goodman broke through off a pass from James. Malneek surged towards the line but was held and from the resulting lineout, Poff lunged at the line and Bright was in support to score in the corner.

Noakes scored his second try when poor defence allowed him in, but the Makos restored their 10-point lead when Kamana scored his second try in another good sustained attack.

Former Marlborough midfield back Aaron Bancroft scored Otago's best try 12 minutes from fulltime, featuring twice in a sustained attack.

When James kicked a 20 metre penalty with two minutes remaining, the Makos were 32-26 in front and should have closed the game out. Instead, they failed to secure the kick-off, Eben Joubert charged forward and prop Ben Nolan was on hand to score by the posts, Noakes' conversion sealing the win.

Ad Feedback Star of the show for Tasman was openside flanker Poff, who turned on an 80-minute display of energy, commitment and skill. Joe Wheeler was the best lock on display, carrying out his core work efficiently and featuring around the park with his good array of skills. Bright was another to shine, creating off the back of the scrum and from broken play. Prop Moran also had a lively match. Hooker's Daniel Perrin and his replacement, Quentin MacDonald, both made significant contributions.

Much of the first-half back play was static and error-riddled but as the game wore on, the Makos worked some slick moves.

Halfback Kahn Fotuali'i was a dominant figure with his sniping runs, although a little greedy on occasions. First five Matty James was a mixed bag, excelling in the running game and unleashing a couple of booming touch-finders, but he too was guilty at times of trying too much and he would not have enjoyed the replay of Noakes' first try.

Skipper Goodman was solid in midfield and made one slashing break that led to a try. Kamana impressed on the right wing and Blair Cook churned out a typically high work rate after coming in as a late replacement for Afeleki Pelenise, who was suffering a hamstring strain.

For Otago, Noakes and winger Karne Hesketh looked the most likely on attack. Lock Hayden Triggs, No8 Setephano and flanker Hoani Matenga had good games in a side that, although not creating much, were quick to seize on opposition mistakes, which ultimately won them the match.

Replacement winger Mike Pehi was the only real injury concern afterwards. His cameo ended with what looked a serious knee injury, the extent of which will be confirmed today after a scan.

Coaches Keane and Cadwallader had mixed reactions to their team's performance.

Keane said, "I wasn't thrilled about leaking silly little tries. They were soft. They got five, manufactured one.

"I suppose the fact that we got 30-plus points was a good thing. The set pieces functioned really well but we need to work on getting a bit more go-forward.

"There were a few positives. A bit rusty but this was our first hit-out." Skipper Goodman also had mixed reactions to the performance. "Every time we go out onto the field, we look to win. Disappointed on that side of it but a lot of positives to come out of the game.

"This was our first hit-out. It was their third. It was good to get out and try our structures out and we showed that they work. Pleased with our attack. Not so pleased with some of the defence."

Former All Black coach Tony Gilbert was manager of the Otago team. He was impressed with the Makos.

"Just what we needed. Tasman were far more physical and quicker at it than our previous two games we played. They were quite innovative. Very good at the breakdowns. These guys were pretty good."

The Makos take on a double-header at Lansdowne Park on Thursday night, taking on Marlborough at 7pm then Nelson Bays.

All the squad are expected to get a run in what will be their last match before the competition opener against Taranaki at Lansdowne Park on Thursday, July 30.

Otago 33 (Chris Noakes 2, Steven Setephano, Ben Nolan, Aaron Bancroft tries, Noakes 4 con) Tasman Makos 32 (James Kamana 2, Tristan Moran, Mark Bright, Matty James tries, James 2 con, pen). Halftime: Tasman Makos 12-7.