Tasman Makos show they are not quite there yet
OPINION: There’s an old saying in sport that suggests, ‘‘to be the best you must beat the best’’.
And, as the Tasman Makos found out in the Mitre 10 Cup final, that’s no easy feat.
You don’t get to be national provincial rugby champions for seven of the past eight years by good fortune or accident.
Canterbury have set the standard for NPC excellence over the past decade and they showed why with their 43-27 triumph on Saturday evening.
If the Makos were to prevail at AMI Stadium, several things needed to happen.
Firstly, they had to cut their mistakes to a bare minimum, given the adventurous style they endeavour to play, maintain discipline and win the ‘‘key moments’’.
Then they had to form a reliable, hard-hitting defensive line capable of repelling multiple phases of attack from the Red and Blacks.
Lastly, they had to turn over lightning-fast ball, then slow their opponent’s recycling to an acceptable level.
They came up short at times in all three areas.
From the first minute when Marty Banks’ clearing kick was charged down, resulting in a soft opening try, to the final few minutes when Viliami Lolohea was unable to ground the ball under the posts, the Tasman side’s basic skill execution was awry, leading to a slew of errors. Many came at crucial moments.
After their horror start, the Makos worked their way back into the game superbly, Shannon Frizell’s 20th minute try edging them into a one-point lead.
But, within minutes the star of the show, Canterbury first five Richie Mo’unga has slipped through a gaping hole in the Tasman defence to give his side a lead that was never relinquished.
Then, when Billy Guyton scored to close the gap to nine midway through the second spell, signalling a possible comeback, the same player spilled the ensuing kickoff, inviting Canterbury to widen the lead again.
It always seemed to be a case of a little good, then some bad.
As the Sky TV commentator so aptly remarked at the time, ‘‘they just need back-to-back good’’.
The difference in speed of ball delivery from the respective breakdown areas was noticeable. Canterbury flooded the tackled ball region, such an area of discontent in this particular competition, rolling the dice as to what they could get away with. Referee Glen Jackson seemed content to allow some latitude in that area and, as they so often do, Canterbury adapted quicker.
Tasman were gallant in defeat but must be smarting after losing their second NPC premiership decider. Especially one they went into with genuine confidence.
There will be few excuses, Canterbury’s six tries to three victory decisive enough to silence even die-hard Makos fans, of which there are now many more nationwide.
While the home side’s dominance of the competition is becoming a trifle tedious for the rest of the country, and perhaps plenty of Canterbury fans as well, given the empty seats in the stands, it is based on a superb work ethic, ruthless teamwork, plus skill and fitness levels that ensure they are able to produce their best under the most intense pressure.
Tasman, despite enjoying a superb season which combined clever rebuilding with some breakthrough results, showed that they are not quite there yet.
A sad footnote to the final was the impending departure of stalwarts Marty Banks and Kieron Fonotia to new pastures. Such fine Makos deserved a victorious sendoff, but it wasn’t to be.
However, they can hop on the plane secure in the knowledge that Tasman’s playing and coaching future is in good hands.
The phrase ‘‘third time lucky’’ has a good ring to it.