Gutsy Tasman Mako rookies go down to Otago

Tasman may have lost their unbeaten NPC record but, perhaps more importantly, the Mako showcased their depth of rugby talent in Dunedin this afternoon.

Under the roof at Forsyth Barr Stadium, Otago kept their chances of reaching the play-offs alive with a fluctuating 47-31 win over a second-string Mako crew.

Tasman are entering their “Storm Week” and, with that in mind, plus the fact the Ranfurly Shield will go on the line in their next two matches (against Auckland on Wednesday and, hopefully, Taranaki on Sunday), the management opted to rest most of their preferred starting line-up.

Eleven changes were made from the team which started the previous match, yet the ‘Mini Mako’ side gave a fine account of themselves. At the 56^th minute mark they led the home side 31-21 but, as the benches were emptied Tasman’s performance fell away, allowing Otago to score four tries in the final quarter, the scoreline not a reflection of the match fortunes.

By halftime both sides had scored twice.

The home side made a strong start as Tasman’s rookies came to grips with the speed of the match.

After eight minutes they had their first try, fullback Finn Hurley scooting over off the back of a Cam Millar assist.

Just six minutes later Tasman responded, a series of phases ending with fullback Kyren Taumoefolau firing a long pass to winger Jack Gray who dotted down.

The Mako were in again seven minutes later, this time somewhat fortuitously. Millar’s attempted clearance was charged down by Taumoefolau, the rebound going to Gray who fed Nic Sauira, the centre slipping through the remnants of the Otago defence for a five pointer.

However, five minutes later the home side bagged their second, Christian Lio-Willie barging over after a period of pressure with Tasman unable to clear their line.

With Tasman first five Cooper Grant, one of four debutants in the Mako starting line-up, missing both his conversion attempts, and Millar bagging his, the home side led 14-10 at the break.

Otago came out with renewed purpose after the break, Aussie import winger Hudson Creighton scoring immediately after oranges.

However, as they did for most of the encounter, the Mako responded, putting together their best period of the match.

Over an eight-minute period, tries to inspirational skipper Louie Chapman, loosie Johnny Lee and elusive replacement back Maloni Kunawave, plus three Grant conversions, pushed Tasman out to a 10-point lead and well in the ascendancy.

Unfortunately, that was as good as it got for the gutsy Mako outfit, Otago’s set pieces taking over in the final stages, earning scrum penalties and a penalty try from an illegally-stopped lineout drive.

As well, Tasman’s usually-reliable tackling fell away as Otago’s bench players began to assert their authority and experience.

Flanker Braden Stewart was outstanding for Tasman, along with Tim O’Malley, who brought up his 50^th cap, lock Hunter Leppien, replacement Tim Sail, hooker Eli Oudenryn, Taumoefolau, who departed the scene at halftime, Chapman, Kunawave and Gray.

Tasman, who picked up a try-scoring bonus point, can rest assured there is plenty of talent in reserve if required later this season, then into future campaigns.

Scores: Otago 47 (Christian Lio Willie, Finn Hurley, Will Stodart, Fabian Holland, Nathan Hastie, Hudson Creighton tries, penalty try, Cam Millar 5 con) Tasman 31 (Jack Grey, Nic Sauira, Louie Chapman, Johnny Lee, Maloni Kunawave tries, Cooper Grant 3 con). HT: 14-10 Otago