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Hawke’s Bay has been successful in their second defense of the Ranfurly Shield, defeating Manawatū 47-12 at McLean Park on Saturday.
It was no surprise that the Magpies were able to hold on to the Log o ‘Wood as Manawatū had lost all six of their previous games this season and now face the prospect of picking up this year’s provincial wooden spoon.
The Turbos hadn’t won the Shield since 1978, so a win would have brought their season back to life and credit to the team coached by Peter Russell for most of the first half seemed like a possibility.
Playing for the Shield brought out the best in this Manawatū team, who played with a passion and commitment that hasn’t always been evident this season.
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Both teams showed the intention to play attacking rugby from the start, but the execution was not a flash from either side.
Kerry Marshall / Getty Images
One more victory and Hawke’s Bay has secured the Ranfurly Shield for the summer.
Defensively, the Turbos withstood the initial pressure well. They kept their structure, gave Hawke’s Bay no chance, and forced errors on Shield holders.
They were rewarded for this solid start with a try by James Tofa in the second five in the 18th minute, managing to score in the left corner, despite Lincoln McClutchie’s efforts to get him out of the game.
Six minutes later, a big kick from McClutchie caught the flat Manawatū defender who was on his 22.
As they watched the ball, Magpies’ second five Danny Toala ran to catch the ball and score.
Eight minutes before halftime, Magpies fullback Caleb Makene broke the Turbos’ defense. Some quick passing and ball recycling saw Devan Flanders get his second down.
Kerry Marshall / Getty Images
Ash Dixon and the rest of the Hawke’s Bay team absorbed the initial pressure from ManawatÅ “to retain the Log o ‘Wood.
But Manawatū quickly responded with another try for them. Nehe Milner-Skudder did the hard work with a side step and a volley, before Ben Wyness finished off the play.
Then, just when the scoreboard operator would have returned to his seat, Hawke’s Bay scored again, with Makane running. Before the horn sounded, Magpies wing Brendon O’Connor landed the killing blow, with a solo attempt, 30 yards from a lineout.
It was the third attempt in seven minutes for the Magpies and helped give them a 28-12 lead at interval.
All the good work the Turbos did before ended up counting for little. If physical condition was a problem or something else, but defensive failures at the end of the half, it ended with Manawatū’s challenge.
Kerry Marshall / Getty Images
Despite a good game from Nehe Milner-Skudder, ManawatÅ «will go another season without the Ranfurly Shield.
After a series of attempts at the end of the first period, it took 26 minutes of the second half for the next points to arrive.
Turbo’s replacement player Tietie Tuimauga received a yellow card for repeated team infringements near his line and in a subsequent lineout, Ash Dixon crashed.
Neria Fomai and Isaia Walker-Leawere picked up the Magpie’s last two attempts to give the scoreboard a one-sided look, and once again the Turbos faded late in the half.
The next Hawke’s Bay Challenge will arrive from Wellington on November 8.
If the Magpies win that, they will be able to lock up the Shield for the summer.
Take a look
Hawke’s Bay 47 (Danny Toala, Devan Flanders, Ben Makene, Brendon O’Connor, Ash Dixon, Neria Formai, Isaiah Walker-Leawere tries; Lincoln McClutchie 4 cons, Connor McLeod 2 against). Heart 12 (James Tofa, Ben Wyness tries; Wyness against). HT: 28-12.
MVP Points: 3 Lincoln McClutchie, 2 Devan Flanders, 1 The Howden Rock
