Rugby: MAC aim to shake off inconsistent tag this season

MAC utility back Tom Iosefo on the job picking apples for his family's business THL Contracting Ltd. Photo/Paul Taylor

IT has never been MAC co-captain and utility back Tom Iosefo's style to get carried away with his team's victories in Hawke's Bay's premier club rugby competition.

A Samoan Sevens rep on the world circuit since the 2007-08 season and a member of the Samoa side which finished 10th at the 2013 Sevens World Cup in Russia, Iosefo was quick to point out there was still plenty for his side to work on despite beating Maddison Trophy holders Clive 39-24 in Saturday's first round of the Tui Nash Cup competition.

"We have to secure the ball better around the ruck area and be more patient on attack. We should have scored more tries but often we didn't slow things down and stick to our structures," he said.

The 2014 Commonwealth Games representative in Glasgow prefers an outside back position in 15s but turned in a player-of-the-match performance at first five-eighth in Saturday's clash at Flaxmere Park. He scored a try and succeeded with six of his seven attempts at goal to finish with 19 points.

This saw Iosefo, 31, become the first weekly winner in the tussle to become the 2019 recipient of the McDonald's-Hawke's Bay Today Club Rugby Player of the Year award.

"I'm happy to play where Anthony [head coach Morley] and the management team want me to play. Nobody else wants the 10 position," Iosefo said.

"As for the goalkicking I haven't done much for the last five years because of an ankle injury but it looks like I'm the No 1 goalkicker for the team now."

It's no secret MAC were too inconsistent last season and should have done better than their eighth placing in the Maddison Trophy comp.

"Yes we were on and off last season. If we keep it simple and play to our structures we will be more consistent. We can play but we have to be more consistent ... if we get our individual stuff sorted everything will fall into place."

Iosefo pointed out MAC have benefitted from the return of experienced lock-loosie Everard Reid after a season with Tamatea and the arrival of several talented youngsters including former Hastings Boys' High School 1st XV rugby hooker Damarus Hokianga who is playing alongside his father, experienced halfback Colin Hokianga.

"We have focused more on our preparation and conditioning this season than in the past.

"Last week we also had Magpies assistant coach Josh Syms come and show us techniques related to the ruck area and ball presentation. He also showed us how to fight on the ground when you go into the contact area. I remembered those learnings when I went into contact and it was good," Iosefo explained.

MAC will host another of the round one winners, Havelock North, at Flaxmere Park on Saturday.

"You never under estimate any team but I'm confident we can beat them. They've got good loosies so it's important we secure the ball at the ruck area," Iosefo stressed.

This is a busy time of the year for Iosefo who runs his family's business THL Contracting Ltd. He is looking after a gang of 20 who are picking apples.

"The main purpose is for it to enable people to support family members here and in the islands. If any of our teammates need work we can help them out too.

"Last weekend Fa'alemiga [Magpies loosie Selesele] and I left work at 1pm and go to the changing room just before kickoff. We both try and do lighter work on Fridays and Saturdays so we have enough energy for our games on Saturdays," he added.

Best & Fairest
Taradale v Pirate: 3, Iakopo Mapu (Taradale); 2, Jacob Baker (Taradale); 1, Gerome Naera (Pirate).
MAC v Clive: 3, Tom Iosefo (MAC); 2, Liam Udy-Johns (Clive); 1, Fa'alemiga Selesele (MAC).
NOBM v Napier Technical: 3, Tyler Symon-Burke (NOBM); 2, Liam Edwards (NOBM); 1, Sean Skeet (NOBM).
Hastings v Central: 3, Jayden Rihia (Hastings); 2, Shamara Brooks (Hastings); 1, McKenzie Smith (Central).
Havelock North v Tamatea: 3, Matt Morrison (Havelock); 2, Mason Kean (Tamatea); 1, Mikey Vuicakau (Havelock).