Lions beat Mako 25-19 after controversial try

By Paul Cully [Stuff]

Tasman's hopes of making the quarterfinals of the NPC have taken another blow after they copped a stinker of a decision from the TMO against Wellington.

Wellington No 11 Connor Garden-Bachop showed extraordinary dexterity to put the ball down in the corner for a try in 28th minute, despite the best efforts of All Black Sevu Reece on defence.

However, replays clearly showed that Garden-Bachop put his left hand into touch before placing the ball with his right hand. It was missed by the TMO, and the try stood.

That decision seemed to sum up the Mako’s season to date, with injuries and All Blacks callups preventing them from fielding even close to their best team.

They also had to deal with major disruptions inside the first 10 minutes, when they lost starting locks Quinten Strange and Mahonri Ngakuru.

A late try to new Crusaders signing Noah Hotham brought Tasman to within three points with about one minute left, but Wellington won a late ruck penalty to secure the four competition points.

Despite Garden-Bachop’s controversial try, Wellington will feel they did enough for the win, flexing their muscles on defence and set-piece time.

Meanwhile, TJ Perenara led a strong effort from the bench, with young No 8 Peter Lakai and hooker James O’Reilly also contributing.

Tasman No 10 William Havili and All Black Sevu Reece tried to spark them on attack but halfback Louie Chapman’s early score was ruled out due to a forward pass and then also ran into some staunch Wellington defence.

Wellington’s big-game players also stood up when it counted, with Ruben Love solid under the high ball in the No 15 jersey and dangerous with ball in hand.

On the back of a scrum that grew in authority as the game progressed, it was enough to deliver Wellington’s first win against Tasman in 12 years.

The big moment

It's hard to go past Garden-Bachop’s try in 28th minute. In some ways the athleticism showed by the Highlanders outside back deserved five points, but Mako fans will still wonder how it was awarded.

At Trafalgar Park, Nelson: Wellington 25 (Connor Garden-Bachop, Sione Halalilo, Xavier Numia tries; Jackson Garden-Bachop 2 cons, 2 pens). Tasman 19 (Noah Hotham try; William Havili 4 pens, Taine Robinson con) HT: 15-6.