Tasman Makos:

ITM Cup | Makos B's | Under 21's | Womens | Maori | Sevens | Dancers | Supporters

Our Tasman 7’s team competed at the National Pub Charity Sevens (9-10 January).
An initial squad was chosen very late in 2009 & much credit must be given to Coach – Steve Dunn & Trainer – Simon Thomas for turning a group of “Rugby 15’s” guys into a very competitive 7’s unit.
Our total preparation was built around some hard training, one “hit-out” against Buller & a few simulated games amongst the squad. This is well short on many other competing team preparations that included several 7’s tournaments before the big one in Queenstown.
The venue & atmosphere in Queenstown was once again, sensational – the weather diabolical, where all attending & playing were met with snow on the ranges, rain & wind along with temperatures that rarely got out of single figures.

DAY ONE - saw Tasman play Waikato (eventual tournament champions) first up.
A nervous start saw us down early but some solid defence & final attacking flair got us close to an upset victory over a heavily favoured team. Tasman missing out to Waikato 28 v Tasman 14
Next came Taranaki – a game that was actually dominated by Tasman for the majority with the score level at 17 all on the full-time hooter. Play continued & a sweeping move by Tasman had the try line open & begging only to have the final pass ruled forward. The reaction from both the bench & the crowd would suggest other-wise. Taranaki seized the opportunity & scored in extra time winning 24-17 – This loss hurt the most over the entire weekend, for this, along with the following victory over Southland would have had Tasman competing in the Cup Group on Day 2. On the up side, Tasman now knew they could compete with any-one & confidence along with game-time experience was growing.
The game against Southland was a great effort as Southland had looked very good all day.
Comments to me after this game from some real 7’s dignitaries described this as “the best first half of sevens played so far this weekend”
Tasman 24 v Southland 15 – tries to Stu Tunnicliff ( a sensational 70m effort), Dan Hyatt, Brenton Connell, Fo’ou Tiueti.

DAY TWO - saw Tasman playing for the Shield Championship with a first up game against Wellington.
Wellington had qualified bottom of their pool & would have come into this tournament expecting greater things of themselves. They came out on day 2 with “guns blazing” & unfortunately, Tasman were on the receiving end.
Wellington 26 v Tasman 0.
Buller were next & this was always going to be a confrontational match. Tasman were drawn into playing a close-quarters, contact style of game which suited Buller. A half time “rev-up” from Steve Dunn did the trick with Tasman controlling play more effectively & running away with a comfortable victory.
Tasman 35 v Buller 7
The Shield final had Tasman playing Northland, once again Northland had been impressive during the weekend & had a team with a good combination of physicality & speed.
This was a high quality final being played at a frantic pace in what could only be described as terrible conditions for 7’s rugby.
Tasman dominated most areas of this game & completed a great weekend with a convincing victory & being crowned 2010 Shield Champions.
Tasman 26 v Northland 12

While all in the team played a major role in the overall success – special mention can be given to the following;
James Marshall was named in a group of 12 players that were “Highly Commended” by National Coach – Gordon Titchens
Seta Sauira who, at the age of 36, won admirers all over the place for his standard of play through-out the tournament.
Brenton Connell was amongst a group of top try scorers, claiming 5 over the weekend.

2010 Tasman Sevens Squad
Dan Hyatt; Tevita Koloamatangi; Joe Yalayala; Stu Tunnicliffe; Sione Holani; Jesse MacDonald; Seta Sauira; James Marshall (captain); Billy Guyton; Mike Pehi; Brenton Connell; Fa'ou Tiueti