30/10/2010

Coach: Kieran Keane

Asst. Coach: Leon MacDonald

Manager: Jenelle Strickland

Asst. Manager: Brett Thornalley

Captain: Chris Jack

Until the last game of the season Tasman had provided staunch competition to all opponents. Gone to greener pastures were some of last year’s better performers including captain Andrew Goodman. However, the returning Chris Jack, who now looked as if he wanted to be here, led the team well and, surprisingly for a lock, finished the season as equal top try scorer.

Robbie Malneek, Tasman’s all time leading try scorer, was again a reliable fullback, but did not explode into the backline as often as we had been accustomed to seeing. James Kamana provided plenty of pace on one wing, but it was disappointing to see former flier Blair Cook used mainly from the bench. Kade Poki who has made centre his position had enjoyed a quiet season until he almost doubled his career tally of tries with one in each of the last three games of the season. Tom Marshall in his first season was star material at either second five-eight or fullback. He established a new Tasman point scoring record in the first match in which he was entrusted as a goal kicker, and James Marshall confirmed his earlier promise of an accomplished operator. Former Canterbury halfback Steve Alfeld was entrusted with goal kicking for the greater part of the season but only twice kicked penalties and conversions in the same match. At first five-eight his brother James Marshall confirmed his earlier promise of an accomplished operator. His season culminated in being named one of NZ Rugby Almanack’s five promising players of the year (2011 issue).

Former Canterbury halfback Steve Alfeld was entrusted with goal kicking for the greater par of the season but only twice kicked penalties and conversions in the same match. Sadly number eight Joe Wheeler was only available for half the season, but was hugely effective in this time. Much might have been expected of Queensland Reds player Tasi Luafutu, who in his only few minutes of Super 14 time earlier in the year scored two tries against the Highlanders. He certainly provided energy in the loose, but not the deluge of points. Jonathan Poff had a quieter season. He and Robbie Malneek became the first players to reach 50 games for Tasman – in the same match. Used mainly off the bench Shane Christie shows promise. For effort Glen Gregory could not be faulted at lock. As expected little was seen of All Black Ben Franks, but a welcome addition to the front row was former Southland prop Fai Mika. The was much promise from former New Zealand Under 20 props Sam Prattley and Hamish Cochrane. Unfortunately we did not see Quentin MacDonald in the number two jersey this year, but Francis Smith, formerly of Auckland, and Vernon Fredericks can be proud of their achievements.

Tasman Makos 2010 ITM Cup draw.

Played 13 I Won 4 I Drawn 0 I Lost 9 I Points for 230 I Points Against 340

2010 PLAYER RESULT