A history-making haul for their flying winger, 85 points in 80 minutes and a bounce-back performance to get their 2026 season back on track - Sunday’s NPC rugby clash between Tasman and Counties Manukau in Pukekohe had it all.
The Mako, who conceded 50 points against Hawke’s Bay the previous weekend, racked up a half-century of their own against the Steelers, prevailing 50-35 in a fluctuating encounter.
Tries flowed freely for both sides, 12 in all, but the spotlight shone brightest on Tasman winger Kyren Taumoefolau, who broke his province’s try-scoring record, previously held by Peter Playford (v Northland 2006) and Macca Springer (v North Harbour 2025), with four apiece.
Taumoefolau scored half his team’s points, bagging five tries through a mix of pace, inventiveness and audacity, showing why he is so highly rated in top rugby circles.
The Steelers came out strongly, scoring first through No 8 Cam Church, but for the next 15 minutes Taumoefolau took centre stage, scoring three times.
With the wind at their backs, Tasman moved out to a 19-7, but by halftime the home side had closed the margin to just five points at the break.
Tasman wasted no time seizing control after half time, hooker Richie Asiata diving over a ruck to score first, quickly followed by a double to the unstoppable Taumoefolau, the ball seemingly following him around the park.
At 40-14 the Mako were well in control but Counties were not done, scoring three of the next four tries to close to 47-35 as the clock wound down.
Finally, a vital turnover from replacement Lopeti Faifua halted the Steamers’ late momentum and Tasman were able to clear their lines, move downfield and eventually crack the 50-point mark through a Willie Havili penalty.
Leading the way for Tasman were Aussie imports flanker Rory Scott and hooker Asiata, skipper Johnny Lee putting in a huge shift also, while halfback Noah Hotham and the lively Sauira brothers Nic and Tima, kept the pace of the game up and were constant threats. Marlborough’s Jake Pacey was introduced late in the piece to make his NPC debut, while former favourite Atu Moli came off the bench for Counties.
However, the night belonged to another former MBC standout. Taumoefolau is in a rich vein of form, six tries in three matches a testament to that. He is playing with a confidence that will surely rub off on those around him.
Speaking to Sky Tv he said, “I’m super happy that the boys are putting me in space … truly grateful, I love this team and I’m happy to finish when I can”.
Kyren said the team’s physicality was lacking last week. “The coach really brought that to us … Counties are a tough, physical team so I’m really pleased with the boys’ performance today.”
Scores: Tasman 50 (Kyren Taumoefolau 5, Richie Asiata, Tima Sauira tries, Willie Havili 6 con, pen) Counties Manukau 35 (Tuna Tuitama, Cam Church, Adam Morrison, Josh Gray, Ioane Moananu tries, Jackson Rainsford, Tevita Ofa, AJ Tuitama 3 con). HT: 19-14 Tasman
Next Saturday Tasman take on Southland in Nelson, with a 1.05pm kickoff.
