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A powerful display from monster wing Leicester Fainga’anuku has given Tasman a chance to defend his Miter 10 Cup title against Auckland this coming weekend.
In a tense and tough 19-10 win over the Bay of Plenty in Nelson on Saturday, Fainga’anuku’s ability to break through defenders gave Mako a narrow but decisive lead.
Evan Barnes / Getty Images
Tasman No. 11 Leicester Fainga’anuku scores in the corner in Nelson on Saturday.
With their scrum under pressure at all times against a group of well-trained Steamers, Fainga’anuku was left to give them much-needed breakthrough.
The 109kg left wing scattered the defenders with almost every carry and took an attempt in the first half to underscore their importance to the hosts.
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He also showcased his growing skill under the high ball and his duel against Auckland’s gun Salesi Rayasi will be a beauty next weekend.
Fainga’anuku’s dominance pushed Tasman to a 13-7 lead at halftime and they maintained their composure in the second half to get the job done.
Two penalties from Mitch Hunt pushed them to a 19-10 lead and they were happy to play a territorial game in front of a compromised Steamers defense that took away their attacking fluidity.
But it was hard work, particularly at the time of the scrum, Bay of Plenty had its chances of getting the win in the final 15 minutes.
Mako also had to play 14 men for 10 minutes after No.7 Sione Havili received a yellow card just before the break.
Evan Barnes / Getty Images
Tasmania’s lock, Quinten Strange, carries the ball against the Bay of Plenty in Nelson on Saturday.
On a beautiful Nelson night, Tasman dominated the start of the contest, but it took them 22 minutes to register their first attempt.
Flanker Hugh Renton, who was the best forward in the paddock, shot high to claim the ball at the lineout and Mako’s powerful unit did the rest to send veteran hooker Quentin MacDonald out of line.
That would have pleased co-coach Clarke Dermody, whose work on the Highlanders’ drive was evident throughout Super Rugby Aotearoa.
It took Tasman only minutes to extend the lead when Fainga’anuku completed a good team play in the left corner.
David Havili was also an influential presence as a fullback, providing that mix of poise and incisiveness that the All Blacks have been looking for this year.
Evan Barnes / Getty Images
Bay of Plenty’s Joe Webber scores his eighth attempt of the campaign against Tasman at Trafalgar Park.
After a brilliant run recently, the Steamers were a bit flat and made too many driving errors to generate any real pressure, limiting the ability of thrilling fullback Kaleb Trask to influence the game.
However, their scrum was working well and Tasman’s poor discipline gave them a lifeline.
After a series of infractions by Mako near his own line, number 7 in the form of Havili was sent to the sin bin in the 36th minute for refusing to release the tackled player.
Wing Joe Webber immediately took advantage of the one-man lead with a strong shot to drag the visitors back into the game, with Trask adding the extras to make the half-time score 13-7 for Mako.
That set up a tense second half, but the Mako did enough to earn a spot in the final against Auckland, who beat them 31-10 at Eden Park last month.
Tasmania 19 (Quentin MacDonald, Leicester Fast Try, Mitch Hunt 3 pens) Bay of Plenty 10 (Joe Webber test, Kaleb Trask scam). HT: 13-7
