Tasman slumped to their second loss of the season today, losing 29-21 to a desperate Auckland outfit NPC clash at Lansdowne Park.
Tasman came to Lansdowne with just four of the starting line-up from last week’s win over Otago, facing a winless Auckland side desperate to resurrect their season.
Despite having to bus up from Christchurch after plane issues, the visitors made a superb start, preying on Tasman mistakes and ill-discipline to race out to a 12-0 lead after the same number of minutes.
Firstly, loosie Che Clark, who had an outstanding first 40, bashed his way over as his forwards took control, then the big boys got in on the act, former Mako Anton Segner plunging over at the back of a lineout drive, a Rico Simpson giving the visitors a 12-0 lead.
Tasman did not take long to reply though, a wayward clearing kick by former All Black Caleb Clarke being fielded by Macca Springer who discovered a clear passage to the try line. Willie Havili’s conversion closed the game up to 12-7, bringing the large home crowd into the match.
The score remained the same for much of the first stanza as both sides battled to string together multiple phases, regularly utilising their kicking games, Tasman kicking long, Auckland using short kicks.
However, as halftime approached, Auckland switched off slightly and the home side took full advantage. A clever lineout drive variation saw hooker Tomasi Maka drive over, Havili’s wide-angled conversion allowed Tasman to take a two point lead into the sheds.
The early stages of the second half saw both sides spurn good chances to add to their totals however, some dogged defence and inaccuracy maintained the status quo.
Eventually the scoreboard changed, Xavier Taele putting the visitors back in front with a handy penalty kick as the Auckland scrum began to gain ascendancy.
As the game settled into a war of attrition, a couple of penalties put the Mako within range with 15 minutes to play.
A steady scrum set up a perfect attacking platform, five metres out, with captain and No 8 Fletcher Anderson breaking away and feeding a rampaging Levi Aumua to put the Mako back into the lead. Playmaker Havili’s conversion pushed the home side ahead 21-15 with 10 to play.
It took only minutes for Auckland to reply, the speedy Caleb Tangitau being given space on the right touchline and racing away from the cover. Taele’s sideline conversion gave Auckland the lead once again.
Caleb Clarke thrust a dagger into Tasman’s heart five minutes later, plunging over after a series of pick-and-goes, Taele’s conversion ensuring the Mako had to score twice to snatch an unlikely win.
On balance, the visitors deserved to get their first win of the season, starting and finishing over the top of the locals, their set pieces sounds and accuracy improved.
Jay Renton, Havili, Anderson, Antonio Shalfoon and Tomasi Maka impressed for Tasman, who have some hard thinking to do before they head south to challenge for the Ranfurly Shield next week.
Scorers: Auckland 29 (Che Clark, Anton Segner, Caleb Tangitau, Caleb Clarke tries, Rico Simpson con, Xavi Taele pen, 2 con ) Tasman 21 (Macca Springer, Tomasi Maka, Fletcher Anderson tries; Willie Havili 3 con). HT: 14-12 Tasman
