Wellington blow large lead in first loss of 2017

Above the Lions and the Makos forwards pack down in Blenheim. Photo credit: https://twitter.com/WgtnRugby

Wellington: 35 (Alex Fidow, Ben Lam, Sam Lousi, James Blackwell, Losi Filipo tries, Jackson Garden-Bachop 5 con) HT: 13-21.Tasman: 37 (Tim Perry, Will Jordan, James Lowe, Mitch Hunt tries, Hunt 4 con, 3 pen) 

 
WHAT HAPPENED
 
Both sides attacked vibrantly from the outset suggesting a treat was in store. However omens of a tough afternoon for Wellington were evident when skipper Brad Shields departed with a leg injury after just nine minutes.

Mitchell Hunt put the hosts on the scoreboard with a penalty after three minutes, but Wellington scored the first try traversing the length of the field. A dozen passes and breaks by Jackson Garden-Bachop and Will Mangos resulted in a finish for Alex Fidow.

After withstanding sustained pressure, Wellington’s second try in the 25th minute was even better than the first. Garden-Bachop deftly chipped for Wes Goosen who collected the ball five-metres out from his own line and dashed to the Tasman 22 before drawing the last defender and supplying Ben Lam.

After 13 phases of toil Tim Perry rumbled over for Tasman’s first try, but Sam Lousi crashed through to dot down under the posts and make it 21-13 at halftime Wing Losi Filipo dashed down the left sideline to provide favourable field position.

The Lions appeared to be home and hosed when James Blackwell strolled in for Wellington fourth try following a series of damaging forward carries, but things soon unraveled for the visitors conceding 26 unanswered points in half an hour.

In the 50th minute, Hunt combined with outstanding New Zealand Under-20’s fullback Will Jordon to close the gap to 28-20.

Ten minutes later Alex Nankivell waded through the Lions defense and chipped wide for James Lowe to rundown before Hunt nudged Tasman ahead with a third penalty.

Hunt would become a hero at 30-28. ‘Clutch’ preformed a try saving tackle and then scored a try to put the game beyond Wellington’s reach despite a late try for Filipo.

THE LIONS WHO ROARED
 
Jackson Garden-Bachop was faultless with his goal-kicking and played a hand in most of the Lions tries. Jackson is playing with a greater maturity and confidence in 2017.  Alex Fidow and Du'Plessis Kirifi were full of energy and bustle. Will Mangos and Losi Filipo had strong outings in their starting debuts and though relatively subdued when contrasted with previous matches, Wes Goosen was strong again.
 
BY THE NUMBERS
 
Mitch Hunt’s 22 points is a record for Tasman against Wellington. 
 
Tasman amassed their second highest score against Wellington. The Makos best is 42 in 2014.
 
Losi Filipo scored his first try for Wellington in just his second match.
 
The Lions have scored 189 points and scored 27 tries and conceded 129 points and 20 tries in their four games this year.
 
Ben Lam and West Goosen have stayed on the field for the first 400 minutes of Wellington’s season. 
 
Mateaki Kafatolu and Levi Harmon made their debuts for Wellington. The former played 70 minutes.

WHERE TO NEXT

Wellington face their toughest test of the season next Sunday when they tackle defending Premiership champions, Canterbury. Wellington will have to sure up their defense as Canterbury have won all four matches this year and scored 200 points.
 
Tasman travel to Dunedin on Saturday to challenge Otago. Both sides have won two matches.

CLUB RUGBY LIONS MVP

3. Jackson Garden-Bachop
2. Alex Fidow
1. Du'Plessis Kirifi
 
Points after five matches:
8. Asafo Aumua
6. Wes Goosen, 
5. Du'Plessis Kirifi
3. Jeff To'omaga-Allen
3. Jackson Garden-Bachop
3. Alex Fidow
1. Julian Savea 
1. Tolu Fahamokioa
 

THE TEAMS

Wellington: Ben Lam, Julian Savea, Wes Goosen, Regan Verney, Losi Filipo, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Kemara Hauiti-Parapara, Brad Shields (c), Du'Plessis Kirifi, Will Mangos, James Blackwell, Sam Lousi, Alex Fidow, Leni Apisai, Tolu Fahamokioa.  Reserves: Asafo Aumua, Sitiveni Paongo, Ha'amea Ahio, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Mateaki Kafatolu, Sheridan Rangihuna, Dan Kirkpatrick, Levi Harmon.

Tasman: Will Jordan, Tima Faingaanuku, Levi Aumua, Alex Nankivell, James Lowe, Mitchell Hunt, Billy Guyton, Jordan Taufua, Vernon Fredericks, Ethan Blackadder, Shannon Frizell, Alex Ainley, Isaac Salmon, Andrew Makalio, Timothy Perry. Reserves: Ti’I Paulo, Tom Hill, Jack Straker, Quentin Strange, Peter Samu, Finlay Christie, Timothy O’Malley, Trael Joass