There was plenty of expectation around the Tasman Mako ahead of its first NPC match of the year but the side failed to deliver, embarrassed 37-7 by Bay of Plenty in Tauranga.
It was a nightmare for the visitors who were stung out wide and up the middle as the Steamers scored two quick tries, the second after hooker Josh Te Hira was sinbinned for a high tackle.
The Mako regrouped to totally dominate possession and territory in the second quarter but was still pointless at half-time.
Three times they were held up or lost the ball on the home side’s goal line.
Even All Black Timoci Tavatavanawai couldn’t make a difference close to the line.
Maintaining pressure was finally rewarded in the 46thminute when prop Ryan Coxon crashed over.
The score now 10-7, it was game on at last, but centre Levi Aumua was held up on the line and the momentum swung back to the Bay.
His counterpart Leroy Carter split the Mako midfield and dashed away to score and then was the outside backs worked a quick lineout, caught the Mako napping, and wing Cole Forbes scooted away for the four try bonus point for last year’s beaten NPC finalist.
The Steamers weren’t finished as fullback Kaleb Trask tore past a tired to defence to grab a double.
To rub it in, All Black Emoni Narawa dropped a field goal to celebrate his 50th game for the Bay and complete a 37-7 win which left the Mako at the bottom of the table.
The visitors conceded 14 turnovers and lost six lineouts in a shoddy performance.
The Mako also lost captain Finlay Christie, withdrawn before the kick-off fuelling speculation he will win an All Black recall when the squad is announced tomorrow to go to Argentina.
He was replaced by Mitch Drummond while David Havili assumed the captaincy.
It must have felt like a hospital pass today in Tauranga as the Mako began the new season the way it ended the previous one.
