Could this be the year? The Tasman Makos have shot to the top of the ITM Cup Championship standings after thrashing former Shield holders Otago 49-16 in a slick all-round performance at Trafalgar Park on Friday night.
Behind a dominant forward pack, which caused the Southerners plenty of trouble at lineout and scrum time, the backs were given plenty of freedom to run riot with Tom Marshall leading the charge, and powerful winger James Lowe bagging two tries in the rout.
It was the second week in a row that Tasman scored 40 points or more, and on current form, there’s nothing to suggest that the team will stop at that, with a number of players already putting their hand up for higher honours – do we need to mention James Lowe again?
Former Nelson College flanker, and Mitchell Scott’s younger brother, Willis Scott made his starting debut for Otago in the loss – a proud night for family and friends with Mitchell coming on to score the final try of the match, already a contender for try of the year.
The Makos will travel north to Albany to face a winless North Harbour side this Friday night – a game they should win, before taking on Mike Coman’s Hawke’s Bay in Nelson the following weekend.
While all eyes will be on the North Harbour game this weekend, Tasman fans will also be hoping for a Taranaki win against Ranfurly Shield holders Counties Manakau. If Taranaki wins, and can see off Bay of Plenty in the first challenge, Tasman would get the second challenge – plenty of what ifs, but a real possibility.
