Mako ready for resurgent Auks

They’ve managed 10 wins on the trot but the Tasman Mako are under no illusions the next two games will provide the toughest test in the team’s quest to claim its first premiership title.

On paper, its been a season to savour for top of the south rugby fans and a sixth consecutive premiership playoff appearance is almost expected.

But as fans are also only too aware, dreams of national provincial glory have repeatedly come undone at the sharp end of the season. In 2019, the team has notched up 391 points across its 10 games, while conceding just 114 – by far the best differential out of all 14 Mitre Cup teams.

Big wins have come against Northland and Manawatu, not to mention convincing wins over Canterbury, Wellington and an impressive 40-point drubbing of reigning champs Auckland.

Crucially, the Mako men have also shown resolve when the screws have been tightened, as with North Harbour and in the early stages of the Hawke’s Bay game.

Clarke Dermody

Mako co-head coach Clarke Dermody was understated in his appraisal of a remarkable season to date – putting the success down to experience and the ability of all players to make a strong contribution when required.

‘‘It’s been a pretty consistent season – the guys have really pushed each other hard and we’ve been able to use our squad which has given some key guys those minutes off that they probably haven’t been able to have in previous years which has added to that consistency.

‘‘The guys are a year older too – I know they’re only young fellas but they’ve been around for four or five seasons now. You can tell there’s been a real attitude shift from a lot of the leaders and more senior guys who’ve held each other accountable every week – a lot of it is selfdriven.’’

With a full quota of players to select from this week, Dermody said the competition for places in the match-day line-up was fierce.

‘‘We haven’t really talked about changing too much, just making things better – again the players are really driving that by pushing themselves all year.’’

As Tasman closed out its final round robin fixture – a 47-28 away win over Hawke’s Bay – Dermody said the performances of the other three semi-finalists in the lead-up to this weekend had offered some food for thought.

But whether it’s Wellington, Canterbury or Auckland they’re facing – he said the team was sticking to that old adage ‘you’ve got to beat them all’ in achieving an historic first premiership title.

‘‘You can tell there’s been a real attitude shift from a lot of the leaders and more senior guys who’ve held each other accountable every week.’’