Hawkes Bay 35 North Harbour 25
KEY POINTS:
Hawkes Bay bounced back from their first defeat of the season, sealing victory over North Harbour with a try out of the comedy department in Napier last night.
When Harbour replacement Michael Harris had a kick charged down in the 68th minute, it looked to be covered by two retreating defenders.
But the scrambling defence became seriously scrambled. When wing Villiame Waqaseduadua spilled the ball over his own line, George Naoupu pounced to give the Bay a 35-25 lead which they protected with ease.
It was a crazy Air New Zealand fourth round match of changing fortunes, with the McLean Park crowd roaring Hawkes Bay home after their away lost to Tasman last week.
North Harbour may have a new coach in Wayne Pivac, but their more wayward characteristics remain. Among their worst last night was starting first five-eighth Tusi Pisi, who hurled a few awful passes and failed to settle his side into the game.
North Harbour's major weakness, though, was a failure to ram home an early advantage through committing themselves in defence. Among Hawkes Bay's best were two veterans, halfback Danny Lee and flanker Michael Johnson, who helped ensure the team did not squander their 25-15 halftime advantage.
The first spell was a half of two halves.
North Harbour started in rollicking form, and Hawkes Bay were lucky to hang on. The visitors produced a fabulous scrum move for a Daniel Deveraux try, and another fine impromptu move for a Jack McPhee score. At 12-0 they looked a class above.
The game then underwent a personality transplant.
North Harbour became lazy in defence and Hawkes Bay rumbled forward. At 15-6, the visitors still had a distinct edge, but the Magpies launched a three-try blitz in eight minutes.
Weak defence near the line saw Jason Shoemark dive over. Then openside Karl Lowe latched on to loose lineout ball and raced 50-odd metres to score .
Still reeling, Harbour then conceded a 34th minute try to wing Zac Guildford after Sam Giddens had rumbled past poor tackling.
Hawkes Bay ended the half storming down the left hand touchline towards a fourth try before Harbour found relief through a penalty.
Harbour put the Ranfurly Shield on the line against Waikato next week. They will need a vast improvement to hold on to the log.
Hawkes Bay 35 (J. Shoemark, K. Lowe, Z. Guildford, G. Naoupu tries; M. Berquist 3 pen, 3 con) North Harbour 25 (J. McPhee 2, D. Deveraux tries; McPhee 2 pen, 2 con). HT: Hawkes Bay 25-15.
