Rugby: Scorelines cheat as Miter 10 Cup Premier League race heats up

A look at the 37-point difference in the final score between Tasman and Southland would lead to the conclusion that it was a clinical departure for Mako, who is competing for the Premiership.

For the last half hour, it was. For the first 50 minutes, it was far from it.

While Tasman, who claimed a 47-10 win, dominated in terms of possession and territory, poor handling and execution within the Southland 22 meant that after the first 40 minutes, they had only one lone attempt to show for passing the vast majority. of the parties. half within Southland territory.

A Southland penalty goal late in the first half left the gap by just four points at halftime, but it was extended again shortly after play restarted when Tasmania defender David Havili crossed for his first goal of the day.

It should have been the spark Tasman needed to get on with the job, but instead Southland secured a turnover from kickoff and hit back when forward Tony Lamborn crossed just two minutes later.

Instead, it was midfielder Fetuli Paea’s effort in the 55th minute that launched Tasman into another gear as they ran on five attempts in the final half hour to bring the score to a flattering margin.

It was a similar story when Wellington visited Manukau counties. While the visitors went away with a 53-20 victory, Counties Manukau would feel they deserved at least one more close score at the final whistle.

The hosts had the best of the first 40 minutes despite falling behind early, and entered the break with a slight 13-11 lead, extending another seven points per minute in the second half.

It was the last scoring play for Counties though, as Wellington charged home thanks to the strong play of forwards Teariki Ben-Nicholas and Vaea Fifita, who carried the ball hard and worked hard at the break, establishing the platform. for the rest of his team to match.

The Lions came in with six unanswered attempts in the final 38 minutes, securing an extra point and giving their point differential a healthy boost.

The final game of the day was much more competitive, with Waikato beating Taranaki 27-20 at Hamilton.

In close competition, the sides traded blows throughout the 80 minutes, with Waikato enduring a late charge from Taranaki to death to hold on to the points.

With the victory, they advance to the top of the Premiership, while Taranaki ranks fourth in the Championship.

It was the second victory of the day for Waikato, after their Farah Palmer Cup team booked their place in the final with an impressive 31-14 victory over Manawatū. They will face Canterbury in the final on Saturday.