Elusive Premiership glory

class of 2019 to those who have previously failed? Well, they are full of Super Rugby players for starters.

Shannon Frizell, Liam Squire, David Havili, Mitchell Hunt, Tim Perry, Quinten Strange, Jordan Taufua – the list is long.

‘‘We are fortunate enough to have the quality players that we have, but I think it has taken us a while and a lot of hard work for years before to get us to be the Tasman side we are.

‘‘We may look like a Super Rugby side to others but they don’t see what actually happens behind the scenes.

‘‘We’ve done all we can do, now it’s time to see who wants it more.’’

One huge addition to the side has been All Black Squire, who made himself unavailable for World Cup selection last month.

He has been invaluable to Tasman’s momentum this season.

‘‘I think he has been good for the culture. On the field he is a beast, but off the field he loves spending time with the boys and hanging out and getting to know some of the younger boys. Having his knowledge and experience is good for us.

‘‘You never see someone put their body on the line like he does, but he is just wanting to go that bit extra for the boys.’’

The guy they call The Noodle for his neon yellow mullet, Fainga’anuku will be sidelined this weekend with an Achilles injury but he is to remain warmed up and ready in case other players get injured.

The future is uncertain for Fainga’anuku. A lucrative contract from French club Montpellier awaits him if he is not picked up by a Super Rugby team.

In the Championship final tomorrow at Rotorua International Stadium, Bay of Plenty take on Hawke’s Bay.