Tasman bounced back in style to notch up a bonus point win over Counties Manukau in their NPC encounter at Pukekohe tonight.
The Mako, who conceded 50 points against Hawke’s Bay last weekend, racked up a half-century of their own against the Steelers, prevailing 50-35 in a fluctuating encounter.
Tries flowed for both sides as points came at more than one-a-minute, but the spotlight shone brightest on Tasman left winger Kyren Taumoefolau, who broke the Tasman try-scoring record, previously held by Peter Playford and Macca Springer, with four apiece.
Taumoefolau bagged five tries through a mix of pace, inventiveness and audacity, showing why he is so highly rated in top rugby circles.
The Steelers were on the board first, through No 8 Cam Church, but for the next 15 minutes Taumoefolau took centre stage, scoring three times.
Playing with the wind at their backs, Tasman moved out to a 19-7 lead before the home side closed the gap two minutes before oranges, a converted try to winger Tuna Tuitama closing the margin to just five points at the break.
Tasman seized control straight after half time, hooker Richie Asiata diving over a ruck to score first, quickly followed by a double to Taumoefolau, the ball seemingly following him around the park.
At 40-14 the Mako were well in control but Counties scored three of the next four tries to close to 47-35 as the clock wound down.
Finally, a vital turnover on the Mako line by replacement Lopeti Faufua halted the Steamers’ late momentum and Tasman were able to clear their lines, move downfield and eventually crack the 50 mark through a Willie Havili penalty.
Scores: Tasman 50 (Kyren Taumoefolau 5, Richie Asiata, Tima Sauira tries, Willie Havili 6 con, pen) Counties Manukau 35 (Tuna Tuitama, Cam Church, Adam Morrison, Josh Gray, Ioane Moananu tries, Jackson Rainsford, Tevita Ofa, AJ Tuitama 3 con). HT: 19-14 Tasman
Next Saturday Tasman take on Southland in Nelson, with a 1.05pm kickoff.
