Rugby: Barrett brothers lead Taranaki to first Miter 10 Cup win over Bay of Plenty

Heading into the first round of the Miter 10 Cup, there was a lot of excitement surrounding the inclusion of All Blacks, perhaps none more than the excitement in Taranaki over the availability of Beauden and Jordie Barrett.

Beauden, who had not played for the region since 2012, and Jordie, who made his debut in amber and black, had a huge influence on the wing when they defeated a formidable Bay of Plenty team 36-29 in Inglewood.

It took less than five minutes for the pair to show their value on the team, coming together before Beauden shoved winger Lewis Ormond through a small hole, and Ormond subsequently sent blocking Tupou Vaa’i up the wing.

It was the first of nine attempts in what was a highly entertaining encounter.

As the Barretts lined up for Taranaki, Sam Cane returned from an injury to the Steamers at the back of the scrum, performing characteristically strong in the contact areas and around the break.

However, it was the new All Black Vaa’i who made the biggest impact on the national team players. The young bolt showed his talent with the ball in hand, sweeping through the middle, ignoring defenders, breaking the line and scoring attempts.

Vaa’i got the score going early for the hosts, but their lead didn’t last long as former Taranaki running back Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi struck back for Bay of Plenty less than 10 minutes later.

The teams continued to exchange attempts during the first half, each scoring three attempts each in the first 40 minutes, but Taranaki maintained a five-point lead at halftime thanks to Jordie Barrett’s boot.

Otere Black’s replacement in five eighths narrowed the gap to two with an early second-half penalty, but with Vaa’i and Jordie Barrett next to cross the line, Taranaki’s lead was too much for the Steamers to stay. behind.

On the other hand, Northland overcame an initial deficit of 17 points to defeat Manawatū 43-26 in Whangarei.

Manawatū scored first two downs on his way to a 20-3 lead after 20 minutes, but they had little else to show for their work in the game.

However, the biggest upset of the round was saved for last, with Southland upsetting Hawke’s Bay, 16-10. In a game perhaps best summarized by the four attempts made by hookers – Greg Pleasants-Tate and Ash Dixon both grabbing doubles – Southland rallied from 10-6 against at halftime to cross twice in the second half and hold on for victory in cold conditions.

Southland, who only snapped a 27-game losing streak last season and settled on $ 101 from outside to win the Championship, even had to call out 42-year-old local legend Jason Rutledge after preseason injuries, with the hooker. reserve helping. to win a late scrum that sealed a victory in their 140th game for the province.

Taranaki 36 (Tupou Vaa’i 2, penalty shot, Ricky Riccitelli, Jordie Barrett attempts; Jordie Barrett 3 cons, pen) Bay of Plenty 29 (Keepa Mewett, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Emoni Narawa, Fa’asiu Fuatai tries; Dan Hollinshead 2 cons, Otere Black with, pen). HT: 24-19

Northland 43 (Sam Caird, Sam Nock, Kara Pryor, Sam McNamara, Jordan Olsen, Rene Ranger tries; Wiseguy Faiane 4 cons, Daniel Hawkins scam, pen) Manawatū 26 (Sam Stewart, James Tofa tries; Ben Wyness 2 cons, 4 pens). HT: 22-20