Large, vocal crowd call for Mako semi

Marlborough fans have been urged to turn out in force to support the unbeaten Tasman Mako in Blenheim’s first home national rugby semifinal.

With a 47-28 win over Hawke’s Bay on Saturday, the Mako made it 10 wins from 10, becoming the first team in 12 years to make the Mitre 10 Cup premiership final without losing a round-robin match.

Tasman Rugby Union chief Tony Lewis said it would be good if the region could get behind the Mako as they take on Auckland at Landsdowne Park on Saturday. Kickoff is at 2.05pm.

‘‘Lansdowne Park is such a great venue because having a large crowd makes the players feel like the crowd is on top of them,’’ Lewis said. ‘‘A lot of the team are local boys, it’s something Blenheim can be proud of.’’

Lewis said it was ‘‘business as usual’’ for the team this week.

‘‘The boys were out in the gym this morning [Monday], they’ve got team session and strategy this afternoon,’’ he said.

‘‘They’re taking a real Marlborough approach, they’ll be staying Friday night, they love playing here, it’s home for them.’’

Tasman trounced Auckland 40-0 in Nelson last month but Lewis said the idea was ‘‘to not get too ahead of themselves’’.

‘‘All we’ve [the players] earned the right to do is turn up on Saturday and play the game – nothing more,’’ Lewis said.

‘‘Hopefully we earn the right to turn up again the following week and play again.’’

Tasman Rugby Union chairman Wayne Young said the perfect season so far was an achievement but it ‘‘does not make for anything if the job isn’t finished off’’.

Tickets for the semifinal can be purchased at www.mako.nz or from the Blenheim I-SITE.

There will be gate sales, but Lewis suggested buying tickets early to avoid queues on the day.