Tasman see off Taranaki to make final
Tasman and Taranaki’s reputation for thrilling games in recent years continued in their semifinal clash at Yarrow Stadium yesterday.
The two premiership sides have forged that reputation based largely on their desire to play positive rugby and that was evident as they put together a 10-try thriller.
In the end it was Tasman who got through to Saturday’s Mitre 10 Cup final against Canterbury after their 41-29 win.
Marty Banks, who who largely stayed calm in front of goal while opposite Marty McKenzie could not find the accuracy he had shown for most of the season, proved a pivotal figure as he fin- ished with 21 points.
Few would deny Tasman their spot in the final as they took advantage of too many Taranaki mistakes that left the hosts chasing the game.
The home side got off to a ripping start when McKenzie
helped set up Seta Tamanivalu for the game’s opening try less than five minutes in.
However, it was Tasman that enjoyed the next 20 minutes considerably more as they threatened several times to bust Taranaki apart.
Their forwards were especially effective as they combined with short passes and found plenty of gaps close to the breakdown.
While Taranaki held for a time, McKenzie badly missed touch
from a penalty that quickly led to a Ross Geldenhuys try.
It appeared Taranaki had managed to strike back almost immediately but television match official Jonathan Patterson ruled Declan O’Donnell had failed to ground the ball from a kick through.
Tasman’s relief was short-lived, however, as Taranaki’s lineout drive, arguably their most effective attacking weapon in recent weeks, proved effective again as Johnny Fa’auli was sent over.
Taranaki’s lead didn’t last long as their questionable defence was split far too easily when Alex Nankivell finished an attack he had started.
Things got even brighter for Tasman just a couple of minutes later when they crossed in that vital pre-break period when McKenzie opted for a quick lineout, Taranaki booted down the throat of Banks, who fed James Lowe, who effectively chip-kicked before Mitchell Hunt crossed in the corner.
The 24-12 advantage the visitors enjoyed was everything they deserved, their attacking intent and pace of execution too good for a defensive line that struggled to organise itself when stretched.
The introduction of All Blacks wing Waisake Naholo four minutes into the second half did little to change the pattern of the match as Tasman leapt at every chance to punish Taranaki’s mistakes, this time through halfback Billy Guyton.
Taranaki did show some of their typical fight when they answered with a well-worked longrange lineout move but their questionable kicking game continued to gift Tasman opportunities.
While Banks muffed a couple of penalty attempts it was he who had the most influence, despite Taranaki’s late comeback, and it was fitting he sealed the deal with a 79th minute penalty.