2017 Mitre 10 Cup

For the third time in the last four years Tasman went all the way to the Premiership Final to indicate a successful season, but it was one of mixed effort. There was a slow start with two opening defeats followed by a win over Waikato when Waikato missed a last-minute conversion to draw. From the Wellington match onwards the side hit form, coming from 13-28 down to win 37-35 and inflict the only defeat of the season on the rampant eventual Championship winners.

The defeat to Counties Manukau in the final round robin match was endured with a semi-final spot already assured and a number of leading players being rested. The semi-final win against their more fancied opponents Taranaki at New Plymouth was a very gusty effort, however, the performance in the final was below expectations.

Regulars from 2016 who did not return were Kieron Fonotia, Marty Banks, Tevita Kolamatangi, Ross Geldenhuys (all overseas) and Caleb Makene (Canterbury). This was balanced by the return of Ti’I Paulo and Robbie Malneek from overseas, and Jordon Taufua from Counties Manukau, while New Zealand-born Levi Aumua arrived from Brisbane and Tyrel Lomax from Super Rugby team Melbourne Rebels.

With the departure overseas of Marty Banks, Mitchell Hunt stepped into first five-eighth having played most of his rugby for Tasman previously at fullback. He grew in stature the more the season progressed, culminating in a standout performance in the semi-final win over Taranaki, ending the season as one of the best first five-eighths in the Mitre 10 Cup.

The exciting 19-year-old Will Jordon, in his debut season, caught the eye with his speed and penetration at fullback. Another newcomer, Levi Aumua impressed at centre with strong running and powerful tackling. He had a memorable match against Otago when he shrugged off six tackles to score a try followed by a later red card for a dump tackle and subsequent three-match suspension. Alex Nankivell has a steady season at second five-eighth, missing just one match.

James Lowe was the best of the wings, being back to his effervescent best after last years injury woes while David Havili only managed one appearance due to All Black duties. Billy Guyton was in fine form at halfback, having a good combination with Mitchell Hunt, and it was a pity he was injured at the tail end of the season.

Losing captain Shane Christie for the season due to injury was a real blow, but the loose forward combinations of Jordon Taufua, Peter Samu, Vernon Fredericks and Ethan Blackadder competed well, with Taufua and Blackadder to the fore. At lock Alex Ainley, at the age of 36, was playing as well as ever, and with Quinten Strange affected by a shoulder injury, the versatile lock/loose forward Shannon Frizzell stepped up very ably in partnering Ainley.

Tim Perry was a strong scrummager at loose head prop who missed the final due to All Blacks call-up. Tighthead prop Siosiua Halanukonuka had an injury – plagued season, but this allowed 21-year-old Tyrel Lomax, son of Kiwis rugby league rep John Lomax, who arrived from Australia with a promising reputation, to make a good impression. In Andrew Makalio and the returning Ti’i Paulo, Tasman had two capable hookers, with Makalio showing up well against North Harbour and in the semi-final.

Higher honours went to:

(Source - 2017 Rugby Almanack)

Tasman Makos 2017 NPC draw.

Home GameTicketsPhotos
1	Canterbury	Nelson	Fri 18 Aug, 7.35pm	L 0 - 39
2	Manawatu	Palmerston North	Sun 27 Aug, 2.35pm	L 20 - 35
3	Waikato	Hamilton	Sun 3 Sep, 2.35pm	W 31 - 29
4	Wellington	Blenheim	Sun 10 Sep, 2.35pm	W 37 - 35
5	Otago	Dunedin	Sat 16 Sep, 4.35pm	W 29 - 27
6	Southland	Nelson	Sun 24 Sep, 4.35pm	W 50 - 17
7	Taranaki	New Plymouth	Thu 28 Sep, 7.35pm	L 26 - 40
8	North Harbour	Blenheim	Wed 4 Oct, 7.35pm	W 21 - 14
9	Auckland	Nelson	Sun 8 Oct, 2.35pm	W 31 - 18
10	Counties Manukau	Pukekohe	Sat 14 Oct, 7.35pm	L 30 - 52
11	Semi Final - Taranaki	New Plymouth	Sat 21 Oct, 7.35pm	W 30 - 29
12	Premiership Final - Canterbury	Christchurch	Sat 28 Oct, 7.35pm	L 13 - 35

12 Won 7 Lost 5 Drew 0 Points for 318 Points Against 370

2017 POINTS SCORERS