Hawke’s Bay hold off Steelers challenge

Hawke’s Bay can breathe a sigh of relief. Defending the Ranfurly Shield against Counties Manukau last night, everything appeared to be going the home team’s way. They started strongly, led by 22 at halftime and were on the right side of the penalty count.

But the challengers weren’t going away without a fight and clawed their way right back into a threatening position — down 33-32 with a minute to play. It was all set up for a dramatic finish but a knock-on from the restart proved the final blow to the Steelers’ challenge.

It was a performance with plenty to address if the Magpies hope to retain the Shield through the season. While their attack in the first half was sizzling, it was anything but in the second.

Even when Counties Manukau went a man down, the challengers found a way to attack with success. Hawke’s Bay became reliant on their kicking game, but were rarely finding space with their clearing kicks, while their bombs in midfield were largely ineffective.

Counties Manukau were left to rue a slow start as they dominated the second half, picking apart the Hawke’s Bay defence with their running game and having success up the middle. Fullback Etene Nanai-Seturo was a big part of their resurgence; he had the Hawke’s Bay defence clutching at air and took the right option every time space was presented.

The Magpies were relentless early on and Lincoln McClutchie crossed for their first try after eight minutes. Counties Manukau stayed in touch through two penalties from Riley Hohepa, but when Hawke’s Bay scored three tries in the 10 minutes before halftime to lead 28-6, the match looked all but sealed.

Counties Manukau needed to score first in the second half just to stay in touch, and the Magpies presented that opportunity almost immediately. A beautifully lofted pass from Hohepa found Ahsee Tuala on the left wing for a try five minutes after the restart.

The match soon turned into a battle for territory, as neither side was able to work into a strong attacking position.

That was until a piece of brilliance from Nanai-Seturo after 55 minutes saw him split a gap between three forwards and run well inside the Hawke’s Bay 22. A few phases later, Cam Roigard darted over the line from close range to give Counties Manukau hope.

Hawke’s Bay extended the lead back out through Tyrone Thompson from a lineout drive, but Nanai-Seturo gathered in a shallow kick, again splitting defenders, before pulling off a chip and chase to score once more.

When reserve hooker Ioane Moananu scored in the 78th minute and the conversion narrowed the gap to one point, the chance of a second Shield reign loomed for Counties Manukau. However, they were unable to pull off a sensational comeback. Hawke’s Bay 33 (Lincoln McClutchie, Kianu Kereru-Symes, Neria Fomai, Solomone Funaki, Tyrone Thompson tries; McClutchie 4 cons)

Counties Manukau 32 (Ahsee Tuala, Cam Roigard, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Ioane Moananu tries; Riley Hohepa 3 cons, 2 pens)

Halftime: 28-6.