Rugby: Taniwha could get second challenge

Tane the Taniwha. Photo / File

While Northland's first ITM Cup win of the season was not pretty, it won't matter in a few weeks' time provided Hawke's Bay does their part.

With Otago uplifting the Ranfurly Shield from Waikato, a week after the Taniwha tired them out, they must now defend it against Hawke's Bay this Sunday.

If Hawke's Bay win, they must then defend the shield against Counties Manukau six days later, then give Northland a second crack the following week.

If Otago were to lose to Hawke's Bay this weekend, it would not quite be the shortest reign in Ranfurly Shield history as Waikato and Wellington have let the mighty Log o' Wood slip after only holding it for seven days in 2007 and 1963 respectively.

Meanwhile, Northland's scrappy win over Southland saw them make a remarkable 133 tackles to deny the southerners the win. Southland only made 52 in comparison.

Leading the tackle count for the Taniwha were loose forwards Dan Pryor and Jack Ram with 17 and 16 tackles respectively, next on the list was Bronson Murray with 11 followed by Bryce Williams with 10.

On the attacking front, Ben Seymour led the charge with his one ball carry gaining him 63 metres with Tane Takulua and Rupeni Caucaunibuca the best repeat attackers with five and six carries each to gain on average 13 and 12 metres per carry.

Caucau also led the line breaks column with two, Seymour, Takulua and Pryor all with one each.

While Northland's lineout may not have looked pretty at times, it only turned over possession three times.

This Saturday, Northland continue their ITM Cup season by taking on North Harbour at Albany at 5.35pm.