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Salesi Rayasi’s expert finish led Auckland to their third 2020 Miter 10 Cup victory after surviving a Bay of Plenty attack in Rotorua on Friday night.
The 2018 champions had to contain the resurgent Steamers in the second half of an ugly Premiership clash plagued with errors, but their 20-16 victory will be important in the race to the semifinals.
Bay of Plenty’s record against Auckland is lousy, they haven’t won them since 2012, and a sixth loss in a row leaves them 1-3 after four rounds and work to be done to improve their semi-final prospects, albeit the loss. It was only confirmed in the final seconds with Auckland defending for their lives on their own 22.
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Salesi Rayasi from Auckland, fabulous finish for the first attempt.
Despite multiple phases to a dramatic finish, the Bay of Plenty failed to bring down Auckland and kept pushing to try and win the match.
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The Steamers had opportunities to take the lead in the fourth quarter, but Auckland’s determined defense and a crucial late loss to Auckland’s impressive lazy striker Blake Gibson kept the hosts at bay, who were too impatient to try to punish some loose lineouts from Auckland hooker Nic. Souchon.
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The All Blacks and Auckland mainstay Angus Ta’avao retired before kick-off.
All Blacks mainstay Angus Ta’avao was ruled out before kickoff after being named a starter as a tight head, but the Auckland scrum held up well against the Steamers, who made too many mistakes and squandered good chances to score attempts.
With Ta’avao absent for Auckland, another side of the All Black, Bay of Plenty running back Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi did little to make his case for the larger team to be announced soon for the Rugby Championship. In fact, his rival number 9 Jonathan Ruru had a greater influence in his 59 minutes on the field.
Auckland wasn’t too bright for long stretches either, but Rayasi was always a threat and center Tumua Manu consistently pushed the lead line to punch holes in the Bay of Plenty defense.
Hooker Nathan Vella was everywhere for the Steamers and his enterprise led to their lone attempt when Regan Ware’s kick was touched by replacement running back Leroy Carter, reducing Auckland’s lead to one with more than 25 minutes to go. .
Then Harry Plummer came off the bench to extend the lead to 20-16 with a 57th-minute penalty that would prove decisive for Auckland, whose record improves to 3-1.
The first 27 minutes were grim and inappropriate for two teams with such Super Rugby quality on the field, but the match finally had memorable moments courtesy of Rayasi, who fabulously completed two first-half attempts on the field.
Michael Bradley / Getty Images
Jonathan Ruru was solid for Auckland as a running back.
First with an advantage, Auckland captain TJ Faiane’s wobbly kick was not very profitable, but Rayasi threw the ball over his head, defeated Kaleb Trask and Emoni Narawa on the touchline with great force and Agility, and reached out to place the ball. ball down.
The Steamers were still close on the scoreboard after three penalties from Otere Black, but Rayasi’s second, another big shot after turning and tackling defenders, gave Auckland a useful 17-9 lead at the break.
It was a messy match with both sides turning the ball and struggling to maintain possession, while neither lineout was particularly accurate.
Michael Bradley / Getty Images
Chase Tiatia of Bay of Plenty in the race against Auckland.
Auckland winger AJ Lam killed an early try in the corner, but Simon Hickey first in five eighths pushed them 3-0 forward with the only points from a forgettable first quarter.
Bay of Plenty had Auckland pinned for long stretches in both halves, but struggled to find a hole in their defense all night despite a string of talented running backs.
Scoring attempts has not been easy for the Steamers this season and it cost them the victory.
TAKE A LOOK
Auckland 20 (Salesi Rayasi 2 tries; Simon Hickey 2 con, pen; Harry Plummer pen) Bay of Plenty 16 (Leroy Carter test; Otere Black with, 3 pens). HT: 17-9.
MVP Points: Salesi Rayasi 3, Blake Gibson 2, Tumua Manu 1.
