ITM Cup: Tasman back on top

Marty Banks was at the heart of everything good for Tasman. Photo / Getty

Otago 17
Tasman 34

Tasman again underlined their ITM Cup title credentials with a commanding win over Otago in Dunedin tonight.

Last year's runner-up leap-frogged big brother Canterbury to the top of the Premiership standings after an electric attacking effort at Forsyth Barr Stadium.

After falling in the final to Taranaki last year, Tasman must be considered favourites to go one better this season, having secured their fourth straight bonus-point victory to open the campaign.

Their capability of claiming a maiden title was on display early and often against an over-matched Otago side, who were only one week removed from toppling champions Taranaki.

Tasman scored their first barely a minute into the match and crossed for their fourth shortly after the break, completely controlling the match aside from a 10-minute lull midway through the opening half.

The Makos' level of control was one established not through forward supremacy but by launching raid after raid at and around the Otago defence, often from positions well inside their own half.

Marty Banks set the tone, with the first of several line breakers leading to the game's opening try for Billy Guyton, and the No10 was at his imperious best throughout. Tasman's second might have contained an element of luck but fortune shines on a team so willing to chance their arm at almost every opportunity.

Otago soon responded by utilising their own strengths, pulling themselves back into the match through a pair of well-worked tries built up front, but they were never comfortable when without the ball.

Tasman created holes in the home side's defence with ease and just before halftime, when many sides would have been content taking an eight-point lead to the sheds, Guyton sparked another lightning break that led to Tasman's third.

The confidence was flowing, the passes were sticking and the halftime break proved no impediment, with Robbie Malneek quickly finishing off the pick of the tries to help his side move back to the top of the standings.

Otago 17 (Knight, Franklin, O'Connell tries; Smith con)
Tasman 34 (Guyton, Scott, Kotze, Malneek tries; Banks 4 cons, 2 pens)
HT: 12-27