Rugby: Dan's the man for Northland with his last-minute heroics

Northland first-five Dan Hawkins had nerves of steel when it was all on his shoulders but came up big when his team needed him most. PHOTO/JOHN STONE

If Northlanders didn't know the name Dan Hawkins before, they will now, after the gutsy first-five nailed a sideline conversion to give the Taniwha a last-gasp 23-21 win over Hawkes Bay.

Supported by his home crowd at Toll Stadium, Hawkins was as calm as usual as he stepped up to secure the win after the final hooter.

Hawkins' skills were never really doubted by his Taniwha coach, saying he had faith in the Otamatea playmaker.

"That was an outstanding kick. He kept his head, [but] he backs his goal kicking - and he works really hard on it," coach Derren Witcombe said.

"We got to the end of that game and we know he's a good kicker [so I trusted him]. He kicked well all day."

Hawkins was afforded the opportunity to win Friday's game after reserve lock Michael Stolberg managed to smuggle the ball across the line for a game-tying try and Hawkins' heroics after the hooter sealed the win.

Wet conditions didn't allow for much free-flowing rugby between the ITM Cup sides, but Northland never gave in, despite trailing on the scoreboard for most of the game.

Tries to Brendon O'Connor and Ryan Tongia gave Hawkes Bay a handy lead, which they really should have been able to hold on to.

After suffering two losses from their first three contests, this victory would have been a good confidence boost for a Northland side who like to throw the ball around and play with ambition, even if the conditions don't warrant it.

Northland: 23 (Dan Pryor, Michael Stolberg tries; Dan Hawkins 3 pen, 2 con); Hawkes Bay: 21 (Brendon O'Connor, Ryan Tongia tries; Ihaia West 2 pen, con, Matt Berquist pen). HT: 11-6.