Tasman Development prove tough preseason opposition In Murchison, Francis Mining Buller faced a formidable challenge in their preseason match against Tasman Development. The game, played under perfect weather conditions for fast-running rugby, marked Buller’s first of two preseason encounters as they gear up for the Bunnings Warehouse Heartland Championship.
Tasman Development, a team featuring top club players from Nelson and Marlborough, demonstrated their strength and cohesion right from the kickoff. Both teams took advantage of the ideal conditions, engaging in an open and expansive style of play that saw plenty of points.
The match began with Tasman quickly taking the lead, scoring their first try within five minutes. They continued to gain dominance, extending their lead to 12-0 by the 14-minute mark. Buller responded in the 19th minute when Hopo Taufa capitalised on an errant quick throw from Tasman to score, bringing the score to 12-7. However, Tasman maintained their momentum, reaching a halftime score of 31-7.
The second half saw Tasman continue their relentless attack, adding to their tally with tries at regular intervals. Buller managed to score two more tries in the second half, with Matt Soper and Iliesa Tora both crossing the line. Despite these efforts, Tasman’s pace and intensity proved too much, and the game concluded with a final score of 71-21 in Tasman’s favour.
Among Buller’s players, Anthony Ellis stood out with a strong performance up front. Debutant front rowers Harris McRobbie and Sione Lonitenisi also got through plenty of work. Caleb Havili carried the ball with determination, building on his impressive form from last year. Hopo Taufa, despite nursing a niggling ankle injury, put in a strong performance until the injury seemed to worsen, raising concerns for Buller’s already depleted loose forward ranks. Rowan Neilsen and Alan Paterson had a busy afternoon, contributing significantly to the defensive load.
In the backs, Matt Soper impressed with his performance, while five-eighth Andrew Wells had a solid debut, particularly in defense. Louis Devery, playing his first game since recovering from a snapped Achilles tendon last season, was in destructive form during the first quarter before being substituted to manage his return to top-level rugby. Joel Hands performed well at centre, making substantial defensive contributions, and vice-captain Sam Jope had an outstanding game at fullback, which will surely boost his confidence.
Tasman’s ability to play at high intensity and recycle the ball quickly was a key factor in their victory, often catching Buller off guard when they went wide. Many Buller players have not played in recent weeks, and the reduced club season this year means they need to readjust to the pace of representative rugby. This match served as a crucial learning experience, providing valuable preparation before Buller takes on Tasman U19 next weekend.
Despite the scoreline, Buller can take positives from this match as they continue their preparations for the Heartland Championship. The early season test against a strong Tasman Development side highlighted areas for improvement, ensuring Buller is ready for the competitive season ahead.
Earlier in the day, Tasman U19 defeated West Coast 58-10.
