Makos can recover from big setback
And it all started so well. Up 14-0 after seven minutes, this rearranged Makos outfit looked the goods. Playing with pace and precision they made the perfect beginning.
Then the cracks began to appear. Tasman’s discipline became a factor. Their lineout began to malfunction. Their inability to defuse attacking line-out drives conceded two tries, then they came up with a rookie mistake after the halftime hooter, gifting Counties Manukau another seven points.
A well-constructed try to Alex Nankivell soon after the break seemed to have stemmed the bleeding. However, when the Steelers got their noses in front for the first time following a penalty try award, from yet another attacking maul, the flood gates opened.
The big question is, ‘‘how much should be read into what happened in Pukekohe leading into the semifinals?’’.
Not too much I would suggest. While the loss of winning momentum is obviously a concern, Saturday’s result should be viewed objectively.
Tasman’s selectors took the opportunity to rest several key players, in fact up to nine of a potential starting XV for the playoff match were missing from the starting line-up on Saturday.
Five players made their Makos’ debut, meaning defensive organisation was fully stretched, especially with injuries and when the bench was emptied late in the piece. The youngsters battled hard to make the step up, but even battle-harden veterans struggle to contain a fired-up home side in Pukekohe.
Although Tasman’s slip-up has consigned them to a match-up with the top-qualifying Taranaki side in the semis, there may be a silver lining. Given a choice between meeting Taranaki or Canterbury in a play-off game, many Makos faithful would choose the Naki, given Tasman’s poor recent record against the Red and Blacks.
One thing is sure, a different Makos side will turn up in New Plymouth, at 7.35pm on Saturday.