Rugby: Counties-Manukau's first win

It was Counties-Manukau's "other winger" who supplied the spark as the struggling province lodged a joyous first win of their Air NZ Cup rugby campaign in Pukekohe today.

Left winger Sherwin Stowers outshone his teammate, All Blacks flyer Lelia Masaga, as a flat-footed Taranaki succumbed 33-21.

Counties-Manukau were the only team without a win before this weekend but the team who most pundits have tipped to claim the wooden spoon made the most of their opportunities and played the more enterprising rugby.

Stowers featured heavily in the first two of their three tries, either side of halftime, which gave them breathing space.

Three minutes before the break he cleverly drew two defenders to put fullback Ahsee Tuala clear 40m out.

It opened up a 13-6 lead which flattered the hosts after Taranaki had dominated field position but botched several tryscoring chances.

Stowers again unlocked the amber and black defence with a sizzling 45m burst when the visitors failed to find touch in the 57th minute.

Taranaki, who had relied on three penalties to first five-eighth Willie Ripia until that point, finally shed their handling woes and took advantage of territory with tries to reserve lock Samuela Vunisa and centre Nathan Hohaia.

However, they were bisected by a driving try to bruising Counties-Manukau reserve forward Fritz Lee.

Another home-town hero was second five-eighth Tim Nanai-Williams, who slotted a penalty in the dying minutes for 18 points.

A late callup to the side after Josh Hall was ruled out with injury, sevens international Nanai-Williams slotted seven from seven shots at goal from all over the field.

Taranaki, who drew 24-24 with Hawke's Bay last week, have been very inconsistent this season while Counties-Manukau produced one of the great bounce-backs, following last week's 51-15 hammering from Tasman.

- NZPA