Tasman will take part in the NPC quarterfinal play-offs, but have plenty of thinking to do after being beaten by an in-form Counties-Manukau side at Trafalgar Park this afternoon.
The Steelers came to Nelson on the back of four consecutive wins and looked every inch a legitimate title challenger, scoring seven tries on their way to a 49-41 victory.
The visitors, who were playing to claim the final play-off position, looked dangerous across the park, their backs and forwards combining superbly to put pressure on their rivals from the opening whistle.
Tasman, who also scored seven tries, converting just three, demonstrated some thrilling attack at times but were always chasing the game.
The first half was a try-fest, seven tries being scored, four by the visitors, who deserved to take a 27-19 lead into the sheds at the break.
The Steelers showed desperation and superb support play from the opening minutes, two touchdowns in the first 15 minutes allowing them a 10-0 advantage, with the home side firmly on the ropes.
A Cooper Roberts interception and 70m sprint to the line allowed Tasman back into the match, albeit against the run of play, before Adam Brash bagged the visitors’ third midway through the spell.
Another intercept try, this time when Quinten Strange snaffled the halfback’s pass five metres from the Counties line, brought Tasman closer again, at 17-12.
A penalty gave the visitors an eight-point advantage before Tasman closed the gap once more in this see-saw clash. This time their strike it was more structured, a superb Roberts cut-out pass giving Kyren Taumoefolau a chance to cut inside the defence and score in the corner.
However, Counties were not finished, flanker Adam Brash bagging his second as the Mako defence was again shredded, allowing the visitors an eight-point edge at oranges.
Tasman began the second half with high promise, Roberts bagging his second with a surging finish in the second minute.
But Counties continued to attack, a third try to Brash after charging down a David Havili clearance kick, and a double in five minutes to exciting fullback Etene Nanai-Seturo pushed them out to a 46-26 lead.
Then it was Tasman’s turn as the clock wound down. Replacement halfback Wil Thornalley replied quickly, scoring with his first touch from a lineout drive, to narrow the gap, then Macca Springer and Tone Ng Shiu dotted down to give the home side late hope.
A penalty goal to AJ Alatimu before Ng Shui’s effort allowed his side some breathing space so, with none of the final three Mako tries converted, the margin remained at eight as the home side desperately sought some last-minute heroics.
However, it was deservedly the Steelers day, their desperation to feature in the top eight very apparent, while Tasman’s leaky defensive effort resembled their second half efforts against Southland in their previous encounter.
