All Black trio in try-scoring mood for warm-up

Three All Black training squad members were in try-scoring form as Waikato beat Taranaki 36-29 in an NPC warm-up rugby match against Taranaki in New Plymouth.

Centre Keith Lowen bagged a double and Roger Randle scored an intercept try for Waikato, while Taranaki prop Gordon Slater scored one of Taranaki's four tries.

Waikato lock Mark Cooksley, who has recovered from injury to be named in an expanded All Blacks squad of 23, made it through half a game without any problems.

He did not have too much work in the lineouts, with most of the Waikato lineout throws being directed at Chresten Davis.

The first half was messy and not helped by light rain, which started just after kickoff and lasted about 15 minutes. Taranaki led 19-6 at halftime.

Both coaches were happy with the workout, but said there was work to be done before their respective opening NPC first division matches.

Taranaki play Northland in New Plymouth on Friday night and Waikato meet Counties Manukau in Hamilton on Sunday.

* Canterbury had little trouble retaining the Ranfurly Shield when they turned back Nelson Bays' challenge 67-10 in Christchurch.

After walking all over Buller and South Canterbury in their first two defences this winter, Canterbury were warned to expect a bolder challenge from second division Nelson Bays.



Nelson Bays did themselves proud in the first half when their defence mostly held resolute, but Canterbury still went to the interval 18-5 ahead.

Thereafter, Canterbury's size, speed, professionalism and the accurate goalkicking boot of Ben Blair (seven conversions) told against their amateur opponents.

Canterbury ran in seven tries in the second half, and nine in total. Nelson Bays had two tries to show for an honest, gutsy effort.

* NPC first division newcomers Bay of Plenty wound up their preparations with a splendid 41-21 victory over Counties Manukau in Pukekohe.

The Bay scored five tries in the opening 30 minutes and never looked back.

Counties Manukau had no answer to the Bay's thrilling back play and were out of the match by halftime, trailing 9-31.

Soft Counties Manukau defence let Paul Waiariki, Glen Jackson, Wayne Ormond and Sam Hala (two) in for tries in the first half. Dallas Seymour added a sixth in the second.

* In a brusing encounter in Whangarei, Northland held North Harbour at bay 22-14.

Captain Glenn Taylor scored the home team's only try and former Auckland first five-eighth Aiden Vince kicked four penalties and a conversion to cap a strong match.

New recruit James Arlidge also kicked a penalty.

For Harbour, Frano Botica kicked three penalties in the first half and wing Aisea Tuilevu scored a try in the second. Northland led 12-9 at the break.

North Harbour were outplayed in most facets of the game.

* First five-eighth Earl Va'a kicked 16 points as Southland beat Hawkes Bay 51-27 in Napier.

The Samoan international converted five of Southland's seven tries and kicked two penalties from his 10 attempts at goal.

First division Southland showed their second division hosts how much work they have to do if they want to return to the top echelon.

Southland's forward pack was dominant and relished Hawkes Bay's defensive lapses around the fringes.

No 8 Matt O'Connell had a strong game in the Southland pack and deserved his two tries.

Along with Va'a, halfback Jimmy Cowan and wingers Kuka Asolupe and Roy Hawker, impressed in the visiting backline.

Southland, who led 20-8 at halftime, established a 51-8 lead with nine minutes remaining, but lost concentration during the final four minutes to concede three tries.

* Second division Manawatu beat third division Horowhenua-Kapiti 36-20 in Palmerston North.

Manawatu, who scored five tries to four, led 22-5 at halftime after dominating the smaller side thanks to an efficient lineout and good, organised running by the backs.