Shield holders repel fading Manawatu¯
Hawke’s Bay have been successful in their second defence of the Ranfurly Shield, thrashing Manawatu¯ 47-12 at McLean Park yesterday.
It was no real surprise given Manawatu¯ had lost their previous six games this season and now face the prospect of picking up this year’s provincial wooden spoon.
But playing for the shield brought out the best in this Manawatu¯ team, who showed a commitment that hasn’t always been evident in this campaign, and for most of the first half they looked like contenders.
Defensively, the Turbos stood up well to early pressure and they were rewarded for this solid start with a try from second-five James Tofa in the 18th minute.
But the Magpies responded when a great kick from Lincoln McClutchie set up a try for Danny Toala.
Eight minutes before halftime Magpies fullback Caleb Makene broke through the Turbos defence for Devan Flanders to cross.
Manawatu¯ responded quickly when Nehe Milner-Skudder set up a move finished off by Ben Wyness, but Makene was back over almost instantly. Before the hooter sounded, Magpies flanker Brendon O’Connor landed the killer blow with a solo try, going 30m from a lineout for a 28-12 lead at the interval.
All the good work the Turbos did earlier on ended up counting for little as the defensive lapses at the end of the half ended their challenge.
Midway through the second half, after Turbos replacement Tietie Tuimauga was sin-binned for infringements close to their line, Ash Dixon crashed over from a lineout.
Neria Fomai and Isaia WalkerLeawere picked up the Magpies’ final two tries to give the scoreline a one-sided look.
Hawke’s Bay’s next challenge will come from Wellington on November 8.