Anton preparing for torrid home-coming

Former Tasman Mako star Anton Segner accepts he may go from being one of Nelson’s favourite adopted sons to public enemy No.1 at Trafalgar Park tonight.

Nelson College and the Mako launched the German-born loose forward’s rugby career in this country and now he’s plying his trade for Ranfurly Shield challenger Auckland.

“A few people will be after me before, during and following the game,” Anton reckons after his permanent shift north this year.

The 23-year-old proudly points out he has been on the field for all but one minute in Auckland’s first eight matches. He agrees his new union certainly got “plenty of bang for its buck” but wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I just love being out there and doing whatever I can to help. I’m grateful for the opportunity,’’ the versatile ‘loosie’ says.

After playing as a blindside flanker for the Blues, he’s alternated between openside and No.8 for Auckland in the NPC campaign.

“Playing as a six is more a set piece role, at seven it’s all about the breakdown and at eight you can carry the ball,” Anton observes.

He also acts as a third lock in the middle of the Auckland lineouts. Stepping up to captain his new NPC side, in his first season, is a fresh challenge.

“You get plenty of help from the leadership group and other experienced players,” he confirms.

But it’s been tough with Auckland blowing a 13 point lead in Saturday’s last minute loss to Hawke’s Bay. And after Auckland lost its first four matches, was he wishing he had stayed with the Mako.

“Not at all. I’m loving city life as it reminds me of Frankfurt (the German city of three quarters of a million people where he grew up),”  Anton declares, but openly admits mistakes and turnovers have hurt his side.

From afar, he has still been keeping an eye on the outstanding season of the Mako with whom he won an NPC title in 2020.

"They are playing really good rugby. I am happy to see them succeed but have no regrets about coming to Auckland."

Unlike the Ranfurly Shield holders having the luxury to rest players, Auckland simply couldn’t afford to if it wants to make the play-offs, so Anton led the side from the back of the scrum against the Magpies.

He even stayed on the field, late in the game, despite blood running from a cut near his right eye.

Little time to dwell on the result, so he’s already looking forward to coming up against his old teammates, especially competing for turnover ball with the wing-come-foraging-forward Timoci Tavatavanawai.

“Rather than fear, Jim the Bus probably sends a shiver of excitement up my spine. Good on him for getting involved but we’ll throw the kitchen sink at the Mako,” Anton says.

After being in the national U20 environment, Anton still harbours All Black ambitions.

When compared to Springbok great Schalk Burger, he quips “he’s a blondie too”.

Also 1.93 metres in height and, like Schalk, a warrior on the field and only too happy to chat off it.