The Tasman Mako men’s side slumped to a disappointing 24-22 loss in their eighth-round NPC clash at Blenheim's Lansdowne Park tonight.
In a good old-fashioned arm wrestle, littered with errors and turnovers, the northerners, whose last away win was on the same ground, last season, came away with a vital win for their season. The Mako were in the match throughout but were unable to close out a match which appeared theirs for the taking in the latter stages.
Conditions were ideal for running rugby, the field being in immaculate condition and the wind negligible.
It took only three minutes for Tasman to show their intent to use the ball, running through multiple phases before sending winger Macca Springer over in the right-hand corner.
Play see-sawed until the 15-minute mark when Auckland winger Harlyn Saunoa found himself free on the right and stepped inside the last line of Mako defence. Alex Harford’s conversion gave the visitors a 7-5 lead.
They doubled their total soon after, lively halfback Issak Fines-Leleiwasa diving over from close range. Again, Harford converted to move his side to a 14-5 lead.
Clearly stung into action, the Mako responded quickly. Off the back of a couple of thunderous Shannon Frizell charges, fellow loosie Lopeti Faifua surged onto a William Havili pass to sprint 35m to the line. Havili’s conversion closed the deficit to two points, eight minutes before halftime.
With a minute to go before the halftime whistle, Tasman earned a penalty in front of the Auckland posts which Havili converted to give the home side a 15-14 lead, the scoreline fairly representing a messy but even first 40 minutes.
The first 15 minutes of the second spell belonged to the visitors, only some desperate defence, led by Maloni Kunawave and Springer, keeping them out.
Eventually the Mako cleared out of their half, the arrival of replacement prop Monu Moli, a hometown favourite, playing a big part in the change of fortunes.
After several close range charges at the line the ball was spun wide and it was that man again, Kyren Taumoefolau, who forced his way over the line.
Havili’s conversion pushed the Mako ahead 22-14.
Just as the home supporters were beginning to feel comfortable Auckland roared back, replacement Payton Spencer strolling over, the conversion making it a one-point game again.
With four minutes left, Auckland struck the crucial blow, earning a penalty in the 76th minute, which Harford landed to move the visitors into a winning position, which they clung to until referee James Doleman blew the final whistle.
A welcome addition to the entertainment package tonight was the presence of a modern scoreboard mounted on the front wall of the Lansdowne Hub.
The Mako have a short turnaround, hosting Bay of Plenty in Nelson on Thursday evening.
