Taranaki continues to lead way in NPC Championship

TARANAKI has strengthened its position at the top of the Championship tier of the NPC with a 3326 win against Waikato in Tauranga on Saturday.

The Bulls have now won six straight and edged their rival thanks to the safe boot of Stephen Perofeta who drilled seven penalties and a conversion.

The win was made more impressive considering the side had eight forwards unavailable.

Taranaki struggled to a 1512 halftime lead despite having a generous breeze behind it.

Waikato took the lead when Beaudein Waaka scored in the corner. But Taranaki responded through Daniel Wait, who took an inside pass from Kini Naholo, who had latched on to a brilliant pass by Perofeta.

Naholo also nabbed an intercept and scampered 70m to score which proved a turning point.

Hawke’s Bay crushed Canterbury 4526 in Christchurch on Saturday, the first time it has beaten Canterbury there since 1968.

The historic win enabled it to maintain its place at the top of the Premiership.

Hawke’s Bay stole a march, shooting out to a 337 lead at halftime.

Canterbury rallied late but it will draw little comfort from that.

Oddly, 20 minutes slipped by before any points were posted.

Then Hawke’s Bay went on a fivetry scoring blitz to set up the win.

When Magpies hooker Jacob Devery scored from a lineout drive to make it 387 shortly after the break, the game was all but over.

In the other match on Saturday, Wellington dispatched Manawatu 3616 in Palmerston North.

Wellington led 126 after a lacklustre opening half but Manawatu struck shortly after the break with Ray Niuia scoring from a driving maul.

Wellington hooker James O’Reilly returned fire with a similar try. Then Taine Plumtree pounced on some loose ball and dashed 50m to help set up Alex Fidow, who burrowed over.

Wellington first five Ruben Love completed the scoring with a chipandchase try and sideline conversion.