Stags bag elusive win
Southland rugby players weren’t sure how to react after snapping a 27-game losing run, lasting nearly three years.
The Stags chalked up their first Mitre 10 Cup victory since October 8, 2016, and they did it in style, thumping Counties Manukau 42-14 on Saturday in Invercargill.
It had been 1078 days since Southland last celebrated a win and for many in the Stags’ squad it was their first win in top-level provincial rugby.
‘‘There’s a number in the group that haven’t won in the maroon and gold jersey, so it was really pleasing for them,’’ Southland coach Dave Hewett told Stuff.
Southland came agonisingly close to ending their losing streak seven days earlier at the same venue, having led Manawatu¯ 26-7 at halftime. They were run down in the second half though, losing 31-26.
On Saturday, Southland went to halftime 18-7 ahead and Hewett said the players were determined to avoid a repeat of the Manawatu¯ meltdown.
Three minutes into the second half, hooker Greg Pleasants-Tate crashed over from a driving maul, and from that moment on, the second half was all Southland.
‘‘I guess the main [feeling] is pride really in that the boys executed the game plan we were asking and we did it for 80 minutes,’’ Hewett said.
‘‘To be able to put it together for 80 [minutes] against a good Counties side was good to see. I’m just proud for the boys really.’’
Southland is a staunch rugby region with passionate supporters, who have largely stuck by the team through the painful losing run.
Hewett was thrilled to gain a long awaited win for their loyal fans and the Southland community.
Southland have three games left this season against Taranaki in New Plymouth on Thursday, followed by Auckland (away), and Bay of Plenty (home).
Hewett stressed it was vital Southland didn’t undo their memorable win with sloppy showings in their final three outings.
He wanted his side to continue their steady improvement and show how far they had come from the start of their campaign.
In other round seven games, Canterbury’s poor season continued, suffering an upset 32-29 loss against Manawatu¯ in Christchurch on Thursday.
The red-and-blacks looked to have regained their spark, winning three in a row after losing their opening three games, but were outplayed by the Turbos, who survived a late Canterbury fightback.
Championship leaders Hawke’s Bay made it six wins from seven games, comfortably accounting for Taranaki 35-17.
Tasman all but secured top spot in the premiership, and preserved their unbeaten record, overpowering Waikato 35-26 in an entertaining spectacle in Hamilton.
Waikato had led 23-15 at halftime, but Tasman dominated the second half, 20-3, clinching the win with a 73rd minute Wyatt Crockett try.
Otago, who have been awful away from Dunedin this season, enjoyed their first win on the road, toppling North Harbour 21-15. They defend the Ranfurly Shield in Dunedin against Waikato on Sunday.
Wellington eased to a bonuspoint win over Auckland at Eden park yesterday, 34-15, with Billy Proctor starring with two tries, a result which left them sitting six points clear in second in the Premiership.
Bay of Plenty tightened their grip on second place in the Championship, beating Northland 46-22 in Whangarei despite being reduced to 14 men for the final 25 minutes.