Cyclones must win last match
RUGBY: The Manawatu¯ Cyclones’ playoff ambitions will rest on their final round-robin match, following a loss to Waikato.
Manawatu¯ lost 31-8 to Waikato at Hamilton on Saturday, so they need to beat Hawke’s Bay in Palmerston North this weekend to secure a spot in the semifinals.
Hawke’s Bay lie second in the championship section of the series while the Cyclones are fourth but just one point in front of Bay of Plenty in the premiership.
The Cyclones didn’t put in a vintage performance against Waikato, but it was even for two thirds of the match until Waikato scored three late tries to seal the game.
Manawatu¯ ’s defence was solid in the first half, but mistakes and missed tackles let them down as the game went on.
Coach Fusi Feaunati believed there were good signs in the loss.
He was still positive about their playoff chances.
‘‘I’m still confident of being in the semifinals for the first time. My confidence has to be relayed to the girls through the messages about how we want them to play.
‘‘We still have motivation to get up and get the contest [against Hawke’s Bay].’’
Halfback Kristina Sue, who later shifted to first five-eighth, was their best spark on attack, and made a couple of line breaks, but didn’t get enough opportunities.
Young lock Jessica Faganpease was a workhorse again and young fullback Sydnee Wilkins looked handy in her first decent outing.
Horowhenua Ka¯ piti moved into the top four in the Heartland Championship with a 36-30 win over King Country at Paraparaumu. The win puts Horowhenua Ka¯ piti in fourth place.
Horowhenua Ka¯piti scored five tries in the win, having led 17-6 at halftime. They play Thames Valley at Te Aroha on Saturday.
Whanganui stayed unbeaten and on top of the table with a 45-14 home win over Buller. Whanganui play East Coast at Ruatoria on Saturday.
Farah Palmer Cup points: Premiership: Canterbury 22, Waikato 20, Counties Manukau 18, Manawatu¯ 11, Bay of Plenty 10, Auckland 7. Championship: Wellington 21, Hawke’s Bay 19, Otago 15, North Harbour 10, Tasman 5, Taranaki 0.
Heartland Championship points: Whanganui 29, South Canterbury 22, Thames Valley 22, Horowhenua Ka¯piti 22, King Country 21, Wairarapa Bush 17, Mid Canterbury 17, West Coast 17, North Otago 16, Poverty Bay 14, Buller 6, East Coast 1.