Halftime talk nets big finish between Taranaki and BOP

TARANAKI 54 BAY OF PLENTY 11

Mark Urwin nailed all 10 kicks at goal as Taranaki regained their top-four spot in the NPC first division with a comfortable win over winless Bay of Plenty in New Plymouth yesterday.

Urwin, who took over the goalkicking duties in the absence of Daryl Lilley, landed four penalty goals and six conversions for a personal points haul of 24.

Taranaki's winning effort, though, was only a four out of 10 in the first spell and a pass mark of seven out of 10 in the second.

The first half was a forgettable affair, with Taranaki lacking urgency. They can not afford a start like that against Wellington next Sunday.

There was precious little for the home fans to cheer about before the break. BoP scored first with a penalty goal and when halfback Chris LeLievre popped over a dropped goal, the two sides were locked together at 6-6 after 30 minutes.

Only a try by winger Chris Woods, his first of two, provided some relief for the crowd.

Taranaki turned around 19-6 and whatever was said during the halftime break worked. The forwards powered to the BoP goal-line and flanker Brent Thompson stretched out to plant the ball down.

It was the kick start the game needed.

Soon after, halfback Brendan Haami darted down the short side and fed fullback Shayne Austin, who went over in the corner.

Midway through the half, Haami made another dab on the short side, flipped the ball infield to No 8 Chris Masoe, who was driven over for the fourth try and bonus point.

Further tries to replacement Cory Holdaway and a second by Woods sealed the win, with centre Dale Rasmussen grabbing a consolation try for BoP close to fulltime.





BoP struggled to string attacks together and lacked penetration against an organised Taranaki defensive screen.

BoP No 8 Wayne Ormond was a constant nuisance at ruck and maul time, upsetting Taranaki's ball, while second five-eighths Damian Karauna was the pick of the backs.

Taranaki lie fourth on the first division table, with strong hopes of making the semifinals.

- NZPA