NEWS BLOG

In recent times, current coaches Andrew Goodman and Shane Christie led various campaigns with calm authority and the ability to inspire those around them with both deeds and words. Now David Havili has the captain’s role, and what a fine leader he has become.

Tasman 34 (David Havili 3, Andrew Makalio, Alex Nankivell tries; Mitch Hunt, 3 cons, 1 pens) def Waikato 17 (Quinn Tupea, Valynce Te Whare, Fletcher Smith, tries, Smith 1 cons)

Although well beaten, 67-24 by a slick Otago Spirit side, the Mako managed four tries to claim a hard-earned competition bonus point.

Tasman 24 (Tries: Stephani Mitchell 2, Anna Bradley, Ashley Ulutupu; Eve Findlay, cons 2) lost to Otago 67.

Tasman 34 (David Havili 3, Andrew Makalio, Alex Nankivell tries; Mitch Hunt 3 con, pen) def Waikato 17 (Quinn Tupaea, Valynce Te Whare, Fletcher Smith tries; Fletcher Smith con) HT: 13-5.

Tasman Rugby Union is pleased to announce that te Pa Wines has signed to be the Union’s Wine Sponsor for 2020.

Haysley MacDonald, owner and founder of te Pa Wines, was born and bred on the Wairau Bar. His family lineage goes back over 800 years to some of the earliest Maori arrivals to New Zealand.

Haysley is passionate about his region, wine making and rugby. These three passions made the decision to get involved in supporting the TRU and the Tasman Mako teams an easy one.

The Makos 54-21 win over Northland means the defending champs have claimed maximum points from their first two matches. Their potent backline and imposing forwards have proved too powerful for both Counties Manukau and the Taniwha. However the Tasman ranks are about to be thinned with the All Blacks going into camp on Monday in preparation for their forthcoming international fixtures.

Tasman 54 (Sevu Reece 3, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Andrew Makalio, Fetuli Paea, Will Jordan, Jacob Norris tries; Mitch Hunt 5 con, Tim O'Malley 2 con) def Northland 21 (Kara Pryor, Harrison Levien, Luatangi Li tries; Wiseguy Faiane 3 con). HT: 19-7

Our mighty Mako play their first Mitre 10 Cup home game against the Northland Taniwha at Lansdowne Park, Blenheim this Friday 7.05pm, live on Sky Sport NZ. Get your #FinzUp ! #TASvNOR

Heading into their first match of the 2020 Mitre 10 Cup most of the talk centred on the Makos supercharged back division and the capers they were expected to cut. However, it was the Tasman forwards who paved the way for their 41-24 victory over Counties Manukau on Saturday evening.

Tasman 41 (Andrew Makalio 2, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Leicester Faingaanuku, Shannon Frizell tries; Mitchell Hunt 4 cons, 2 pens, Tim O'Malley con) def Counties Manukau 24 (Potu Leavasa, Dalton Papalii, Viliami Taulani tries; Baden Kerr 3 cons, pen). HT: 21-17