Manawatu battle past Waikato in ITM Cup - Rugby Union
Manawatu dumps Waikato by a huge difference of 54-20 in an ITM Cup clash played on August 20th in Palmerston North.
Manawatu scored six tries to grab a bonus point along with a crucial victory over Waikato. The winners were impressive from the very start of the game and did not let their opponents get any chance to bounce back in the match. Aaron Cruden had phenomenal
performances with his boots for Manawatu. He kicked four penalties, six conversions and a well executed try for his team.
Manawatu celebrated their first try of the match very early in the first half as James Oliver deceived their rivals at the scrum. Cruden started off his kicking show in the next moment and raised the lead to 7-0 after just seven minutes of play. Three minutes
later, Craig Clare elevated his side with another try and Cruden was again flawless with his kick.
A flood gate of the points was opened for Manawatu and they looked unstoppable against the Waikato side. Waikato opened their account with a three pointer but it was not enough for them to block the swift run b Manawatu.
Crosswell, skipper for Manawatu, came into action to score the third try of his team and this time the conversion shot was missed by Cruden. The Manawatu kept the score ticking with tries, conversions and penalties kicks and took a handsome lead of 35-17
after the end of first-half. Waikato collected 14 points to their total in the last 10 minutes of the first part of the match.
Waikato started off the second half with a three pointer and decreased the Manawatu lead to 20-35. Later on the whole show belonged to the Manawatu side which looked tough with their passing and kicking.
Waikato conceded too many fouls after the interval and gave their opponents lollypop chances to multiply their lead. Cruden was simply superb with his well timed and well directed shots. Manawatu players pushed their lead to 54-20 with the final whistle
as they scored 14 points in the last 10 minutes.
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