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Hawke’s Bay held on by the narrowest margin to defeat Taranaki 34-33 at TET Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday.
Taranaki had the upper hand for most of this game, but with the Magpies’ bench making a big impact as they rallied from a 28-10 deficit at halftime.
Hawke’s had already secured first place in the Championship for this season, with a one-point lead over Otago, who had already completed all 10 of his career matches.
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Hawke’s Bay pulled off a comeback victory over Taranaki in their final round clash at Inglewood.
Similarly, Taranaki was certain of a playoff spot, but what was at stake was that the Magpies could choose who their semi-final opponents would be.
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If they win and would play Taranaki again next weekend, they lose and play Northland in the semi-finals.
Arguably the best thing for Taranaki might have been losing, although it’s worth mentioning that when the two teams met last month, Northland won 35-25.
For Taranaki, they knew a loss would have them at Napier next weekend, while a win would result in a semi-final against Otago in Dunedin.
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Donald Brighouse is among the action of Taranaki, who were shot down by Hawke’s Bay.
Hawke’s Bay top five Caleb Makene got the score going in the fifth minute with a penalty.
Five minutes later, Lewis Ormond scored a try for Taranaki, bypassing two defenders to land in the left corner.
Taranaki remained the dominant team and took an 11-3 lead, thanks to two penalties from Jayson Potroz.
But just a minute after that final penalty, the Magpies took advantage of a loss from Taranaki on their 22-meter line after a few passes that Solomone Funaki was about to attempt.
The relentless scoring continued as Stephen Perofeta took a volley from Lachlan Boshier to land on the right.
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Isaia Walker-Leawere unloading for the magpies.
With seven minutes to go in the half, Kaylum Boshier snuck from a ruck near the magpies line for Taranaki’s third try and at the time it looked to be a comfortable win for the Bulls.
But three minutes into the second half, Hawke’s Bay’s Funaki finished off the attack for his second attempt and the next came shortly after, with Tom Parsons coming in this time.
Taranaki’s lead was reduced to just six points after that try, but in the 55th minute Tom Florence extended his lead with his team’s fourth try of the afternoon.
But the score was tight again when Taranaki conceded a penalty try for collapsing a maul near his line with 14 minutes to go.
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Devan Flanders’ try was the last scoring act of the game.
The magpies came to the front a few minutes later when Flanders rushed in, giving his team a one-point lead.
Connor McLeod missed the conversion, leading Hawke’s Bay up 34-33 to set up a tight finish.
In the final minute, Taranaki moved the ball deep into the middle of Hawke’s Bay, but fumbled in a ruck, ending the game.
However, the result means these teams will meet again next weekend and it is the result of that game that really matters.
TAKE A LOOK
Taranaki 33 (Lewis Ormond, Stephen Perofeta, Kaylum Boshier, Tom Florence tries; Jayson Potroz 3 pens, 2 cons), Hawke’s Bay 34 (2 Solomone Funaki, Tom Parsons, penalty try, Devon Flanders attempts; Caleb Makene pen, 2 cons). HT: 28-10
MVP Points: 3. Solomon Funaki, 2. Stephen Prophet, 1. Devon Flanders.
