Semifinal hopes with Stags win
kick charged down which eventually led to a 5m lineout. From the lineout drive, Crozier found himself over the try line to make it 5-0.
Just a matter of two minutes later Manawatu were in again, this time with a long-range effort.
From inside their 22m, Manawatu shifted the ball and with a simple draw and pass they had the Southland defence stretched. It was Nathan Tudreu who found himself in the clear and on the end of the chain to score.
Jade Te Rure was again unsuccessful with the conversion which limited the damage just a little for the Stags.
After just three minutes it looked bleak for Southland, very bleak. However, that was it for Manawatu as far as scoring went in the first half.
Despite the horror first three minutes Southland were able to dominate territory for the remainder of the half.
First five-eighth Scott Eade had the opportunity to post the Stags’ first points in the 19th minute but pushed a penalty attempt wide.
However seven minutes later Southland did score when lock Manaaki Selby-Rickit got the ball from close. He had plenty to do to get within striking distance and stretch out to plant the ball down for a try.
Selby-Rickit is a former Manawatu Rugby Union academy member and the reaction following the try indicated it meant plenty to him.