Wellington 22
Tasman 14
Tasman were never going to go quietly and, if the NZRU has its way and this was their last game in the top flight, then last night's lively effort was a fittingly gutsy farewell.
But in reality, Wellington were never likely to slip up. With set pieces scratchy, quick hands, class on the ball and goal kicking were the difference.
Impressive lock Daniel Ramsay opened the scoring in the 16th minute after some great handling. Tasman's James Marshall equalised from skipper Andrew Goodman's probing grubber two minutes later, but their side looked off the pace as halftime neared.
Two penalties from Fa'atonu Fili saw Wellington up 13-7 at the break.
The tempo dropped as the third quarter trickled away, Conrad Smith making a pre-European tour guest appearance amid ropey field kicking.
Piri Weepu nudged over a 63rd-minute penalty for a forgettable infringement before Tasman's replacement hooker Daniel Perrin scrambled over in a post-lineout shove in the 68th minute. Tasman chests puffed as it was game on with a two-point margin.
But penalties from Weepu in the 72nd and 88th minutes sealed the win while Hosea Gear spilled a dead-set try from a wide kick.
Tasman: Marshall, Perrin tries; Goodman 2 con
Wellington: Ramsay try; Fili con, 2 pen; Weepu 3 pen
Halftime: 13-7
