The Tasman women's rugby team made an auspicious debut in the national women's provincial championship, despite going down 25-17 to premiership side Waikato on Saturday.
The Makos women kicked off their participation in the nationwide Farah Palmer Cup at Blenheim's Lansdowne Park with a performance they could be proud of.
They led the highly-rated Waikato side, albeit shorn of a few Black Ferns players, 7-0 at halftime and were level with the northerners heading into the final quarter of an enthralling encounter. Ultimately, a late try and last-minute penalty goal stretched Waikato's lead to eight points, denying championship side Tasman what would have been a well-earned bonus point.
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Tasman fullback Sydnee Wilkins spies a gap in the Waikato defence at Lansdowne Park on Saturday.
After a patchy first half effort Waikato changed their tactics, upped their intensity and began to show the sort of power and accuracy that has made them one of the NPC favourites. Well led by Black Ferns hooker Sosoli Talawadua they charged into their work, creating opportunities on the flanks after being denied penetration through the middle of the park by staunch Tasman defence.
While the northerners' scrum often came under pressure their lineout work, mainly thanks to lock Stephanie Hyde-Richards, was efficient, setting a strong attacking base. Halfback Ariana Bayler and first five Calista Wihone piloted their side around the park well in the second spell, using willing runners such as No 8 Natalie Delamare, prop Grace Houpapa-Barrett plus midfielders Ryleigh Hayes and Rina Paraone to create momentum.
The excitement in Tasman's ranks was plain to see as they made their first foray onto the national stage. Playing with passion, and to a pattern, they took the game to their big city rivals.
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Waikato replacement winger Veronica Sue makes a break.
After surviving early pressure, they responded with a counter-attacking try to lively winger Michelle Curry, the only five-pointer of the first half.
Waikato came out refocussed after the break, scoring their first try after five minutes. However, a brilliant individual effort to young halfback Rosie Buchanan-Brown had the home side in front 12-5 before Waikato upped the ante as their bench players began to make an impact.
Tries to prop Grace Houpapa-Barrett and replacement winger Veronica Sue propelled the visitors into a 17-12 lead before outstanding Tasman midfielder Wairakau Greig dotted down to tie the scores. However, a late try to winger Hannah Brough and a last-gasp penalty goal by Wihone underlined Waikato's composure and experience at the top level.
Tasman's Marty O'Cain was a happy, but frustrated, coach after the game. "We stuck to our guns though, played the full 80 minutes ... and at certain points of the game were in a winning position. Waikato changed a few things at halftime and we didn't react quickly enough, I guess that's our inexperience to some degree.
"But I'm very proud with the way they executed what we wanted to do. It gives us a benchmark ... we now know where we are at ... the ball is now in our court to keep that [standard] going."
Tasman's best were Greig, Buchanan-Brown, flankers Kelly Stanford, No 8 Jess Foster, first five Risaleaana Pouri-Lane and winger Pippa Andrews.
Waikato 25 (Makaia Riki-Te Kanawa, Grace Houpapa-Barrett, Veronica Sue, Hannah Brough tries, Ariana Bayler con, Calista Wihone pen) Tasman 17 (Michelle Curry, Wairakau Greig, Rosie Buchanan-Brown tries, Risaleaana Pouri-Lane con). HT: 0-7