Tasman too strong for Taniwha

It was a long wait between drinks but the Mako has restarted its NPC campaign with an impressive win over a game Northland side in Whangārei this afternoon.

Tasman ran in eight tries in the 48-29 victory to move to the top of the premiership as the side chases three consecutive titles in 2021.  

The Taniwha struck first in through Blues halfback Sam Nock who sneaked over from the base of the ruck.

It didn't take long for the defending champions to respond, Jacob Norris scoring on the back of a rolling maul.

Sione Havili was forced from the field after twenty, replaced by Anton Segner.

Leicester Fainga'anuku showed his tremendous power as he muscled over for Tasman's second.  

Mitch Hunt went in moments later in a dubious decision as he was ruled to be onside before gathering Jack Grooby's box.

Scott Gregory pulled one back for the hosts following some strong work from the pack.

Despite a desperate cover tackle from Sam Nock, Mark Telea managed to find the grass as the Mako bagged a bonus point before halftime.

Northland refused to go away however and got its third right on the stroke of half-time through Kaliopasi Uluilakepa as his side trailled 24-15 at the break.

Skipper Jordan Olsen brought the Taniwha within two as the hooker struck first to open the scoring in the second.

Fainga'anuku's second pushed the margin back past a converted try with the centre again showing his finishing prowess.

A scorching try followed as Hunt bust through the Northland line and threw a beautiful pass to winger Timoci Tavatavanawai.

The Mako really began to flex its muscles late, Talea scoring his second to put Tasman into the fourties.  

Taine Robinson and Max Hicks were given their Mako debuts with ten minutes remaining.

Northland scored a well deserved consolation through Raikabula Momoedonu but Tasman would have the final say as Shannon Frizell capped the third win of the season.

Scorers:

Tasman 48 (Norris, Fainga'anuku 2, Hunt, Telea 2, Tavatavanawai, Frizell, tries, Hunt 4 cons)

Northland 29 (Nock, Gregory, Uluilakepa, tries, Reihana 1 con, Cooper 1 con)