Sevens: Northland gives strong performance

Northland's Matt Tuatagaloa gets a pass away under pressure versus Bay of Plenty at the 2016 Bayleys National Sevens. Photo / Ben Fraser

An entertaining Bowl final became even more enlivening for Northland as they dug-in with a strong performance to entertain a 17-10 win over Hawkes Bay on day two of the Bayleys National Sevens in Rotorua.

Scrubbing past Canterbury 14-10 in their Bowl semifinal, and toppling an in-form Otago side 21-12 in the Bowl quarter-final on the same day, Northland well and truly saved their best for last with displays of poetic rhythm both on attack and defence in the games preceding their Bowl final appearance.

"To go out there and beat Otago, Canterbury and Hawkes Bay in one day is solid," Northland coach Peter Nock said shortly after the win over Hawkes Bay.

"I'm super proud of the boys. I think they started believing in themselves and the work that they've done, and it payed off."

Northland were outstanding across several tournaments leading into the nationals. If only their class and talent on display during day two, Sunday, was more prevalent earlier in the tournament.

Struggling in their opening games on day one, Saturday, a win in pool play eluded them until their last match of the day against South Canterbury.

Succumbing to Bay of Plenty 21-0 in their first match on day one, despite playing well, Northland were then soundly beaten 40-7 by a star-laden Auckland side in their second Pool A fixture.

This didn't deter the Taniwha side, though, and they bounced back with a superb 26-0 win over South Canterbury to end the day on a tuneful note.

Like a tray of sweet dessert wine after a hearty three-course meal, Northland served up their sweetest performance for the showdown against Hawkes Bay in yesterday's Bowl final.

Getting the first points on the board, a try to Taniela Manu helped settle Northland's intentions early on.

Also dotting down in the first half, Cory Evers continued his relentless tournament form with a try before halftime to give Northland a 12-5 lead going into the break.

Working hard to repel any threats of resurgence from Hawkes Bay in the second half, Northland kicked off with some big hits and determination to shut their opponents down.

A reliable force for Northland during the tournament, Warren Dunn had the last say as he dotted down for Northland's third and final try of the tournament to bring up the win.

Taking out the overall National Sevens honours, Counties Manakau were too classy for North Harbour as they ran away with the Cup final in brilliant fashion, winning 54-14.

In the women's Cup final, Manawatu were the victors beating Wellington 26-19.