Tasman Makos: News

Moran steps up again for Makos
10-Sep-2009

John Alexander Marlborough Express
That Tasman forward Tristan Moran stepped up successfully to replace injured 2008 All Blacks prop Ben Franks last week against Manawatu should not come as any surprise to Makos fans.

While Franks is an outstanding player, arguably the Makos' best until he sustained a foot injury which has ruled him out for the season, Moran has never let the side down in the past.

He is a foundation Makos member and, in the team's very first Air New Zealand Cup match against North Harbour in Blenheim in 2006, scored a try after coming off the bench.

He's been an integral part of the team ever since, although prior to Franks' injury this season he was used as an impact player off the bench.

Moran said he's now well used to the physical and mental rigours of Air New Zealand Cup rugby.

"Yeah, it did take a while [to get used to it] probably the first couple of years. The first year was a step up in intensity from playing for Marlborough. I remember when Marlborough used to play big games like a Ranfurly Shield challenge. You'd get up for one game, the biggest game of the season.

"In this competition you have to do that every week. Your body gets conditioned to it and it's like anything, what you train yourself to do, you do."

With a solid core of the Makos team having played four years of ANZC action now, Moran said they were not daunted by any opponent: "Overall we are pretty much the same physically. Two arms, two legs."

He's pleased with how a dominant Makos scrum performed against Manawatu. He played a key role as tight-head prop but also with his sniping runs in close where he invariably gets over the advantage line.

"I'd probably like to do a few more runs. I'm just working my way into it. A bit of game fitness, a few more 80 minutes under the belt [will help]."

A move from Blenheim to the Marist Club in Nelson this season helped freshen up the former Crusaders wider training squad member: "It was just a new challenge. They say a change is like a breath of fresh air and it was.

"I got a bit stale in Blenheim playing against the same guys, doing the same thing. It was quite good coming over here to Nelson. The top teams in Blenheim are as good as here, but the other teams are probably a bit more even in Nelson. You have to be a bit more on top of your game each week."

Moran has some strong views on Tasman staying in the ANZC competition. Although he said the prospect of being booted out next year doesn't affect the way he plays each week, it does annoy him.

"I do think about it and it's just sad. I think the NZRU has lost touch with the strength of New Zealand rugby. Back in the day when New Zealand was at its strongest, it was through all the provinces. Brian Lochore, Colin Meads are examples.

"The NZRU just lets the numbers rule. Just because Canterbury has more players or a bigger population. What's that got to do with it?"

He feels the NZRU's attitude goes against the Kiwi can-do attitude: "We get out there and do it. John Britten, Bert Munro, all that type of stuff. It's just so sad. I think the NZRU needs to get back to what rugby is about instead of just listening to the guys at the top."