ITM Cup round five: Recap
The fifth round of the ITM Cup went over the weekend and proved to be another exciting week in New Zealand rugby. Southland was able to maintain their impressive form, while Waikato and Canterbury got back on track.
Taranaki 25 Otago 15
Tarankai maintained their promising form with a win on the road over Otago on the weekend.
Taranaki was the better side all the way through the match, scoring two quick tries early to give themselves a commanding 14-0 lead.
The visiting side was able to take a 19-3 lead into the break. However, after the half Otago fought back briefly, scoring two tries of their own early in the second stanza.
Nevertheless, Taranaki proved to be too much for Otago who suffered their fifth loss in as many games this season.
Waikato 39 Counties Manukau 3
Waikato had an impressive four-try second half to defeat Counties Manukau at home in Hamilton over the weekend.
The two teams were evenly matched through the first half with Waikato only able to take a slim 7-3 lead into the break.
However, after halftime the home squad came alive, registering four tries, two of which came from winger Tim Mikkelson. Waikato also got a strong day from Trent Renata who punched through two penalties and three conversions.
Wellington 31 Northland 28
Wellington was able to come from behind for a victory over Northland at home on the weekend.
Northland was the better side to start the match getting quick tries early on to cement a 25-10 lead at halftime.
Nevertheless, in the final 15 minutes Wellington found their game. Down 28-24 John Schwalger manoeuvred his way through the Northland defence and finished off the game winning try.
Northland had a final shot to tie it up in the 80th minute but missed their penalty attempt.
Canterbury 35 Auckland 16
Canterbury came away the winners in a highly anticipated match with Auckland in Christchurch over the weekend.
Canterbury was the better squad from the outset taking an impressive 15-0 lead in the first 10 minutes. Auckland looked as though they might make a match of it, but Canterbury’s Colin Slade put through penalties on either side of halftime to dampen the chances of a comeback.
Canterbury made up for last week’s loss with four tries in an impressive victory over a major rival.
Hawke’s Bay 17 Manawatu 9
Hawke’s Bay was able to squeak out a victory on the road against Manawatu in Palmerston North over the weekend.
Neither team was able to control play as both sides struggled to retain possession and mount impressive attacks, leaving Manawatu to take a 9-6 lead into the break.
Nevertheless, Hawke’s Bay scored the only try of the game in the second stanza courtesy of Gilles Kaka, sealing the victory for the visitors.
Bay of Plenty 39 North Harbour 29
Bay of Plenty claimed victory over North Harbour in round five’s most offensive match.
The two sides were locked in a close battle until the final 15 minutes when Bay of Plenty took over with Lelia Masage leading the way for the home side, scoring three tries on the day.
Bay was able to score an impressive six tries in the match, earning the bonus point.
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