Aumua is ready to impress for Makos
There’s a real sense of anticipation surrounding new Tasman Makos signing Levi Aumua.
The strapping 116kg threequarter made his NPC debut in last Friday’s 39-0 Mitre 10 Cup loss to Canterbury and despite the obvious down side to such a heavy defeat, there was plenty to tease the imagination in Aumua’s brief but explosive cameo.
Besides sitting one would-be Canterbury defender on his butt in a powerful sideline attack, Aumua also impressed with some punishing defence.
‘‘It wasn’t what we were expecting to happen and things just didn’t go the way we planned,’’ Aumua said. ‘‘[But] I was happy to make my debut. It was a cool feeling, a great atmosphere and I really enjoyed it.’’
With Manawatu awaiting Tasman in Palmerston North next Sunday, he’s now sweating on the prospect of a possible start.
Auckland-born Aumua moved to Australia aged 10 and while he initially began playing rugby union, he signed a three-year contract with the Brisbane Broncos under-20 rugby league side as a 17-year-old straight out of college.
But union eventually drew him back and he headed to France to link up with the Bordeaux Beagles before returning to Brisbane last year to join the Souths club.
‘‘I just missed union really. I was enjoying league, but having grown up with union and played it all my life ...’’
Tasman got wind of the 22 yearold’s talents earlier this year and after some initial talks, Aumua didn’t take much prompting to return to New Zealand.
‘‘I’ve always wanted to move back to New Zealand. I missed the rugby here and I wasn’t enjoying my rugby in Australia.’’
His initial trial with Kahurangi in the Nelson Bays’ club competition proved a success, quickly earning a promotion to Tasman’s wider training group where he made an instant impact by scoring four tries in their pre-season wins over Manawatu and Wellington.
Pre-season games are clearly a long way removed from the intensity that Canterbury brought to Friday’s encounter. But even Tasman’s warm up games proved something of an eye-opener.
‘‘It was a lot more difficult than I expected. I hadn’t played that sort of high-paced, high-skilled game for years.
‘‘We didn’t have all the Super [Rugby] boys back, but everyone here’s given me good guidance and helped me and made me feel welcome.
‘‘It’s been a good transition from Brisbane to here.’’
Aumua was stunned by Canterbury’s intensity in Friday’s second-half debut in what turned out to be something of a baptism by fire.
‘‘They’re just a great team in all aspects of the game. It was a great experience watching a team like that and even moreso playing against them.
‘‘I sort of couldn’t believe the pace of it when I was on the field. Obviously my fitness isn’t at its best at the moment ... but the pace of the game was way faster than I’ve ever played in my life.
‘‘The coaches here have been absolutely amazing. I think I’ve learnt more in the four weeks I’ve been here than in a couple of years in Australian senior rugby.’’
His eyes are wide open now and looking forward to his next opportunity to showcase his talents. Judging by his impressive physique and ample attacking skills, the Tasman Makos’ supporters could be in for a real treat this season.
‘‘I love running with the ball and giving the offloads would be one of my strengths. On defence, I like to lead, if I can, with my actions.’’
Although currently at 116kg, he’d like to trim down to 110kg.
‘‘I’m struggling to carry that weight ... but if I lose too much weight, I’ll lose power.’’
His immediate goals are simply to cement a place in Tasman’s starting lineup but longer term, he’s looking to attract some attention from a New Zealand Super Rugby franchise ‘‘and maybe one day pull on the black jersey.’’