An unstoppable second half onslaught has ensured Tasman will play in the NPC quarterfinals next week.
The Mako scored a 50-33 win over Waikato in a damp Hamilton tonight, scoring eight tries in the process against a home side who scored five of their own but were left rueing a plethora of errors.
The Mako went into the match eighth on the table, knowing they needed just a bonus point or better to secure a top eight play-off position next week, now their victory in Hamilton moves them up to sixth on the ladder.
Five converted tries illuminated the first half, with Tasman heading to the sheds with a 21-14 advantage.
The Mako dominated field position and always looked the more dangerous outfit, but the home side kept themselves in the battle through dogged defence, plus a couple of quick-thinking moments on attack.
After a lengthy arm wrestle the Mako opened the scoring in the 17th minute, skipper Johnny Lee on the end of a concerted build-up.
Three minutes later Waikato replied, winger Waisake Salabiau taking advantage of a dropped pass in the Mako midfield to kick the ball ahead and reach the tryline.
It took just two minutes for Tasman to respond, stalwart midfielder David Havili on the end of a slick attack, albeit after a fortunate bounce from a charged down kick had fallen to Mako hands.
Then it was Kyren Taumoefolau’s time to get his name on the scoreboard, equalling Terry Wright’s long-standing NPC tryscoring record with a touchdown in the corner.
The home side had the final say before the break, lock Hamilton Burr showing fine knowledge of the rules to plunge over a ruck when the ball crossed the Tasman line and close the gap to seven points.
The home side responded quickly after the break, hooker Sean Ralph scoring from a lineout drive, an area, along with the scrum, in which the Mooloo men had an edge.
Despite the home side beginning to gain an advantage, they saw fit to make a raft of changes and, as they struggled for continuity, Tasman took advantage.
A try to Macca Springer after a clever kick and chase was followed by a double within five minutes to Taumoefolau, the skilful winger eclipsing the NPC record, then adding to it.
With the Mako ahead 38-19, Waikato replied, again through their forwards, earning a penalty try after a foiled lineout drive.
Again Tasman's outside backs got into the action, firstly replacement centre Cooper Roberts running onto a clever Jim Tavatavanawai offload and finishing superbly, then Taumoefolau putting the icing on a special night for him with his fourth.
Although Waikato had the final say with another close range, mauling try, it was Tasman’s night and a giant morale-boost heading into the play-offs.
