Rugby: Bay keep talons in Log as Lions gather at gate

Hawkes Bay's Ihaia West makes a break during the Ranfurly Shield match against the Bay of Plenty. Photo / Getty Images

Wellington fans will be contemplating the prospect of their side getting something out of a dismal season after all as they look forward to a Ranfurly Shield challenge.

It has come about after Hawke's Bay deservedly retained the Log o' Wood with a convincing second defence over Bay of Plenty led by halfback Chris Eaton and first five-eighths Ihaia West.

The contest appeared to be usurped by the election for Hawke's Bay fan interest, judging by the empty seats at McLean Park.

Playing into a stiff first-half wind which necessitated short lineouts, low tactical kicking and first receivers going into contact from the ruck and maul, Eaton and West gave the Magpies direction and leadership to secure a 14-3 halftime advantage. The visitors couldn't turn things around and lost direction in the second half.

They weren't helped by ill-discipline, notably from skipper Culum Retallick, who was yellow-carded for a second high tackle as Eaton embarked on one of numerous sniping runs. The first high shot was marginal but the second was undeniable and the subsequent spoiling of Hawke's Bay ball smelt of professional foul. Michael Allardice's try in the corner soon after was justice.

Bay of Plenty were let down by 15 missed tackles in the first half. They also lost turnovers 12-5, and completed only one set of five-plus phases compared to the hosts' seven.

It translated to a massive difference in possession. Hawke's Bay won the breakdown 72-17 and openside flanker Tony Lamborn did an impressive job considering he stepped in to start at late notice for concussed skipper Brendon O'Connor.

Eaton was the busy beaver such blustery conditions required. He found his receivers, knew when to have a dart and was a determined tackler. He was like a toddler in a room full of Ming vases - Bay of Plenty couldn't afford to leave him alone once he had possession. West kicked crucial first-half points via three penalties (with someone to steady the ball on the tee) and his boot channelled Alexander the Great the way it sought territory through tactical kicking.

Richard Buckman and Robbie Fruean added value. Any time they had the ball, they inevitably bent the Steamers' defensive line. They had the momentum of an over-oiled roulette wheel.

Hawke's Bay coach Craig Philpott watched a disciplined group of forwards who made the advantage line their preferred destination.

They were disrupted by a blip of silliness when Allardice held a tackler back which saw the TMO deny a Shannan Chase try but its importance diluted as the match progressed. The match dissolved into farce on a couple of occasions towards the end via some tepid dust-ups.

But it merely distracted from the fact Bay of Plenty's attack was suffering and they regularly spread the ball across the field to players attacking from little depth.

Maritino Nemani and Jesse Acton both scored but were little more than late consolations.

Wellington might have had a dreadful campaign. Maybe it's been a tactic perfected by Muhammad Ali to lull Hawke's Bay into a false sense of security.

Either way, Hawke's Bay won't want to hand the Shield over easily.

Hawke's Bay 36 (I. West 2, R.Tongia 2, M. Allardice tries; West con, 3 pens) Bay of Plenty 17 (M. Nemani, J. Action tries; N. Evemy 2 cons, pen). Halftime: 14-3.