Northland down but still far from out
Northland was never going to find it easy against premiership table-topping Tasman in Blenheim on Friday night, but the Taniwha did more than enough to suggest that it will foot it against most of its championship opposition.
Tasman continued their perfect start to the Mitre 10 Cup, with another bonus-point win, downing Northland 54-21, following their 41-24 opening win over another championship side, Counties Manukau, much of the damage being done in seven minutes shortly after half time. Leading 19-7 after 45 minutes, the Mako ran in three quick tries, Fetuli Paea, Will Jordan and Sevu Reece dotting down to snuff out any hope that the
Taniwha might keep within sniffing distance.
Northland did score two more tries, however, in a show of defiance and creativity that bodes well for its chances against easier opposition to come.
Sevu Reece was one of a number of Tasman players who were a cut above, notching up a hat-trick in what is likely to be his last game for his new province as he prepares to link up with the All Blacks for the Bledisloe Cup tests next month.
”[Competition] points are really important at this time of the season, so getting another bonus point is pleasing,” said Tasman co-coach Andrew Goodman, who was impressed with Reece’s contribution.
“He was electric, popping up everywhere, which is what Sevu does best. If you give him the licence to look for the ball and find the space, he’s pretty outstanding.”
The loss left Northland third on the championship table with 5 points, behind likely competition winners Taranaki (9) and Hawke’s Bay Bay 5 (second on points differential), and ahead of Southland (4), Otago (4), Manawatu¯ (0) and Counties Manukau (0).
Taranaki, Hawke’s Bay and Otago all won over the weekend, while Southland, Manawatu¯ and Counties Manukau went down.
Northland’s next game is against Counties Manukau in Pukekohe on Sunday afternoon.