ITM Cup: Canterbury trump Turbos
A pair of teams trending in different directions produced the most probable result in Palmerston North tonight.
A pair of teams trending in different directions produced the most probable result in Palmerston North tonight.
Two desperate sides produced a stinker of a first half. Even referee Nick Briant told both sides before the break that there had been "some pretty average rugby."
Johnny Fa'auli is a shy, respectful young man, but on the park the Steelers midfielder has already shown that reputations do not overawe him.
The Blues' 2016 coaching jigsaw is complete. Now for the players.
North Harbour are on the board, though it would be optimistic to say they are back on track in the Championship.
Waikato's bevy of stars in the making put on a masterclass in Tauranga today, crushing Bay of Plenty 43-10.
Wellington were clinical, Northland were clunky as Wellington made it two straight games conceding zero points.
An 83rd minute try has capped off a remarkable second half Otago comeback as they toppled Taranaki.
The Magpies scored four tries and could have had at least three more, such was their dominance.
The 24-year-old batsman is contracted to the Northern Knights but he is enjoying another gig at the moment - playing halfback and kicking goals for the Auckland rugby team.
The Makos move to 3-0, top of the Premiership, and deservedly so after repelling the promoted Turbos in Blenheim.
Piers Francis is one of that rare breed of modern day first fives.
Bay of Plenty have continued their impressive start to the ITM Cup season with a win over Southland tonight.
The All Black will get a run out for Bay of Plenty tomorrow night against Southland.
Auckland coach Paul Feeney hopes both his Charlies play against Canterbury on Saturday, but then doesn't want to see them again in 2015.
Canterbury have edged out Counties in a clash which was an absorbing contrast.
The geographic opposites produced a compelling contest packed with brilliance, errors, attraction and repulsion.
It ended up being a lot harder for Waikato than they imagined, but they got the win they just about deserved on balance.
Auckland welcome back captain Simon Hickey and All Black Charlie Piutau for tomorrow's home clash with defending ITM Cup Premiership champions Taranaki.
North Harbour coach Steve Jackson may still be bitter about how his side's ITM Cup Championship semifinal aspirations crashed in the capital last season.
World Cup hopeful Charlie Faumuina was knocked out at Auckland training today and his comeback has been put on hold until round three of the ITM Cup.
It's time for Sonny Bill Williams, Julian Savea, Colin Slade, Codie Taylor, Andy Ellis and other All Blacks to pull on their provincial rugby jerseys.
Canterbury showed they want to reclaim the national provincial title with a dominant victory over Otago at Forsyth Barr Stadium tonight.
After a shocking campaign last season, Wellington have started their 2015 ITM Cup season with a bang.
The weather was iffy, the crowd negligible and the rugby variable. But the upshot was that Bay of Plenty clinched four priceless points.