Words: Stephen Stuart | Photos: Shuttersport
Trailblazing rugby players Andrew Goodman and Quentin MacDonald were only too keen to reminisce as the Tasman Mako prepares to clock up another milestone – its 20thanniversary.
One from Nelson and the other from Blenheim, the pair were brought together as traditional rivals when the Nelson Bays and Marlborough Unions amalgamated and formed the Mako in 2006.
Andrew had returned to Nelson after completing his education studies at Otago University while Quentin was in his last year at Marlborough Boys’ College.
“I made the 35-man squad but when it was cut to 33, I missed out,” recalls Andrew while driving to work in early morning traffic in Dublin.
However come round seven, the midfield back was starting against Wellington, and talk about a Mako thrown in the deep end against established All Blacks.
“They had Tana Umaga and Conrad Smith and Ma’a Nonu was on the bench,” says Andrew who went on to captain and coach the Tasman outfit.
After being in the original academy for young talent, an 18- year-old Quentin debuted in 2007 as the Mako narrowly lost to Waikato in Blenheim in the Air NZ Cup.
“Early doors, we still had that Marlborough-Nelson rivalry in our blood but we built good relationships training together. There was good banter and no animosity.”
The emergence of the Mako proved the perfect time and place for the ambitious hooker who otherwise would have probably headed to Christchurch or Dunedin to try and break into the professional ranks.
SAVE THE MAKO
It was tough enough on the field without the financial problems and infighting off it and there were real fears the new side could go the same way as the much-hyped Central Vikings, the merger of Hawke’s Bay and Manawatu, a decade earlier.
Twice the New Zealand Rugby Union was set to give the fledgling team the boot to reduce team numbers, but first a local financial package and then a “Save the Mako” campaign came to the rescue.
The players were well aware of the issues behind the scenes.
“Absolutely we knew. Seven of us players were looking at leaving. A few had signed to go elsewhere. I was heading to Canterbury as we thought the Mako were done. But we stayed strong and by the end of 2009 we had a pretty good team,” confirms Quentin who went on to play a record 126 matches for Tasman.
That year marked the advent of the Mako try celebration #FinzUp which has gone global.
By then Andrew Goodman was captain and he pulled out the hand above the head movement for the first time after scoring a try against Auckland.
Previously Mako players had made gestures depending on which side of the Whangamoa Hill they hailed from, the Griffins pose of Nelson Bays or the horns of the Marlborough Red Devils.
“We Mako players needed to come up with something to bring the provinces together,” reflects Andrew who is now an assistant coach with Ireland.
#FinzUp is going stronger than ever with plenty of celebrations in this year’s Super Rugby Pacific play-offs.
PROVINCIAL BREAKTHROUGH
The Mako kept improving and the late Shane Christie led the side to win the second tier championship final 26-25 over Hawke’s Bay in 2013 and gain promotion to the top league.
“Shane was very humble, but I will never forget the values he brought as a player and a person,” says Andrew.
By 2019, Andrew was co-coach, with Shane an assistant and David Havili captain, as the Mako made history by beating Wellington 31-14 in the NPC final at Trafalgar Park.
The next year they successfully defended the title 13-12 against Auckland at Eden Park.
“Those two seasons were special days and still fresh in the mind,” enthuses the 43-year-old.
Quentin MacDonald returned from France for the 2020 title run and another career highlight came when the Mako beat Hawke’s Bay 25-24 to lift the Ranfurly Shield for the first time.
He was the only player to appear in the four previous challenges, dating back to 2008.
“At that stage of my career, I thought it might have been my last chance to win the shield. To play big minutes and score a try was pretty special, so was Campbell Parata’s winning penalty goal,” declares the 37-year-old who will serve as forwards coach for the Mako this season.
Quentin was the “keeper of the shield” as the Log o’ Wood finally made its way to Nelson.
Watching from afar was Andrew Goodman.
“I still get up and catch as many games on television as I can.”
What he would probably give to have some of the current Mako talent in his Irish squad, instead new head coach Jono Phillips is excited with what he has to work with.
GAMEBREAKERS GALORE
Jono led Nelson College to the Top 4 national rugby final two years ago and wants his side to deliver a similar brand of rugby that will get the local community fizzing.
“The Mako scored 50 tries last season so we are attack-minded. We have a very good back row, creative midfield and good finishers out wide. We just have to shore up some areas,” maintains Jono.
Since his appointment in May, he has been getting around Tasman Trophy games, watching club players and those returning from super rugby.
While historically some super players struggle to get up for their provincial teams, Jono insists that won’t be an issue for Tasman.
“There is a very unique culture here and players are excited about returning. It is all about striking the balance between youth and experience,” explains Jono.
With significant Super Rugby game time behind them, several of the younger brigade look posed poised to light up the provincial competition.
Electric 23-year-old Marlborough winger Kyren Taumoefolau starred in his first season with the Chiefs, while the Blues must be ruing not turning to dynamic 20-year-old hooker Eli Oudenryn much earlier in its campaign.
Toss in versatile 22-year-old loose forward Johnny Lee, the Crusaders Rookie of the Year, and there’s plenty to look forward to this season.
The opening home game against North Harbour on Friday, July 31 has real significance as it is a repeat of the Mako’s first ever provincial match 20 years ago.
Harbour won that 33-27 in Blenheim and several of that inaugural local side are expected to be on hand for the 20th celebrations including a guard of honour at Trafalgar Park.
A golf day also is planned at the Waahi Taakaro course in the Maitai Valley which is managed by former Tasman Rugby Union Chief Executive Tony Lewis.
For Nelson and Blenheim tickets - https://mako.flicket.co.nz/memberships
Tasman All Blacks
The Tasman Mako has produced 14 players who have gone on to become All Black test players with current outside back Will Jordan the most capped with 54 appearances.
The 28-year-old wing or fullback has amassed 44 tries and is poised to surpass Doug Howlett’s All Black record of 49 which dates back to 2007.
Eight of those All Blacks are still contracted Tasman Mako players while Shannon Frizell has just returned from Japan.
Former Mako loose forward Anton Segner made history as the first German player to be named in an All Blacks squad and is poised to debut in July.
Will Jordan 54 matches
Tyrel Lomax 48
Ben Franks 47
Shannon Frizell 33
David Havili 30
Finlay Christie 28
Liam Squire 24
Ethan Blackadder 14
Leicester Fainga’anuku 12
Kane Hames 10
Tim Perry 8
Atu Moli 5
Noah Hotham 3
Timoci Tavatavanawai 2
Several established All Blacks went on to play for the Mako
Wyatt Crockett 71 tests
Chris Jack 67
Sevu Reece 37
Rico Gear 19
Greg Feek 10
Mitchell Drummond 1
