Southland’s plan of attack
RUGBY SOUTHLAND V TASMAN
SOUTHLAND centre Isaac Te Tamaki has been part of the great shutdown in 2020.
The Stags defence has been almost impenetrable this season.
The team has conceded an impossibly low 82 points in six games and registered a couple of upset wins.
The 25yearold is pretty satisfied with that aspect of the game. It is the attack which has caused frustration.
The Stags have netted just 73 points.
Still, Southland is a vastly improved side from those of the past few years. The 27game losing streak is well behind the team.
But with improved results come greater expectations.
‘‘Resultswise this year has been better,’’ he said.
‘‘But as a team we are still frustrated by the last few weeks because we know we can be better than what we have been.’’
The 1814 loss to Northland, in particular, was an opportunity missed.
‘‘We know how good this team
Southland: Rory van Vugt, Tevita Latu, Isaac Te Tamaki, Raymond Nu’u, Kieran Lee, Greg Dyer, Liam Howley, Arese Poliko, Tony Lamborn, Charles Alaimalo, Raymond Tatafu, Craig Smith, Christopher Apoua, Sabastian Siataga, Joseph Walsh. Reserves: Gregory PleasantsTate, Niko Manaena, Viliami Tosi, Glenn Preston, Jacob Coghlan, Logan Crowley, Scott Eade, Jaye Thompson.
Tasman: David Havili (captain), Mark Telea, Fetuli Paea, Alex Nankivell, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Mitchell Hunt, Finlay Christie, Taina FoxMatamua, Sione Havili, Hugh Renton, Isaac Ross, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Sam Matenga, Andrew Makalio, Ryan Coxon. Reserve: Sam Moli, Isi Tu'ungafasi, Isaac Salmon, Alex Ainley, Anton Segner, Louie Chapman, Tim O'Malley, Kieron Fonotia.
can be and it is just so frustrating the fact that it hasn’t quite clicked as we want it to.
‘‘We’ve got to be more ruthless with our execution [on attack] and just make sure we nail every opportunity we get.’’
That opportunity will come against Tasman in Nelson tomorrow afternoon.
It is a tough assignment. Tasman is the defending champion and is on track to reach the premiership playoffs again, whereas Southland’s loss to Taranaki last weekend put a big dent in its championship playoff prospects.
‘‘They are a very, very classy outfit. They have a lot of talent
from one to 23 . . . so it is going to be an incredibly tough game for us.
‘‘But you can look at that as a positive. To play rugby against some of the best players is an awesome opportunity.
‘‘Those are the games you learn a lot from.’’
Te Tamaki is from Hamilton and honed his skills while at Hamilton Boys’ High School.
He was part of the first XV side which won the national top four tournament in 2013.
The team beat Saint Kentigern College 1210. Bryn Gatland was another notable member of the Hamilton Boys’ side.
Following school, Te Tamaki carved out a niche as a sevens player.
He was part of the New Zealand squad from 2015 to 2018.
But when he lost his spot in the sevens side he got an opportunity to move South to Invercargill and play for Southland.
Te Tamaki linked up with Pirates Old Boys and forced his way into the Stags lineup as an outside back.
Last season he shifted into centre when required and this year he has made the spot his own.
He has paired up with Ray Nu’u in the midfield to form a solid combination.
The Stags have freshened up their side with numerous changes.
Coach Dale MacLeod promised as much earlier in the week.
He is keen to test to depth of his squad and see how far the players have come in the past year.
Tasman lost 3110 to Auckland last week and will be motivated to produce an improved performance.