Hungrier Taniwha turn on Turbos

Northland's improved defensive capabilities earned them a much needed 25-18 win over Manawatu, throwing them a lifeline for survival in this year's Air New Zealand Cup.
The visitors were a vastly improved outfit this weekend and kept an injury hit Turbos side from crossing their line - particularly difficult when Manawatu had a very strong wind behind them in the first half.
After an embarrassing performance again Counties-Manukau at Okara Park last week it was just what the doctor ordered for coach Bryce Woodward.
"The old roller coaster rides continues ... I thought we deserved the win today because we had the better structure and our defensive line was good, unlike last week against Counties," he said.
The Taniwha looked like a different team at the breakdown in the match, they were hungrier than their opponents and won more turnovers, with openside flanker Joel McKenty in top form.
"Someone said we gave away a lot of penalties but you have to play on the edge, because if you don't you are giving them time and space," Woodward said,
The coach was particularly happy with the way Northland capitalised on their chances.
"I think we blew one clear [scoring] opportunity all game, but in the games before today we've let too many opportunities pass us by," he said.
The win was a positive step in their season but they would have to step up again, against Canterbury next week, for their Ranfurly Shield Challenge.
"We'll have to be better than that again if we want to trouble Canterbury, that means less errors, more belief in what we're doing and even more urgency and intensity," the coach said.
The win leaves Northland in 11th place on the table, one point behind Manawatu and one point above Otago.
Northland did all of the hard work in the first spell, playing into the teeth of a strong Palmerston North wind, they kept hold of possession when possible and wound down the clock, frustrating waves of Manawatu attacks by committed tackling and hard work at the clean-out. They conceded four penalty goals by Isaac Thompson, but trailed by just 12-10 at the break, thanks to a great Rene Ranger try and two tough kicks by Lachie Munro.
Taniwha captain Jared Payne ghosted between two defenders to dot down untouched at the beginning of the second spell. The try was converted by Munro but Thompson again replied against the run of play to close the gap to 17-15.
McKenty crossed the chalk after several phases of Taniwha attack, 10 minutes later to give the visitors some breathing space, but after Manawatu's Johnny Leota had been sinbinned for a dangerous tackle on Roy Griffin, Northland halfback Rhyan Caine blew their best chance of a bonus point with a forward pass, with Munro facing a clear run to the line.
Another penalty kept Manawatu interested but when they pressed in the final 10 minutes Northland's defence held firm.