Rugby: Magpies smash Steelers

Karl Lowe of Hawke's Bay. Photo / Getty Images

Hawke's Bay 44 Counties Manukau 14

Hawke's Bay have cemented second position on the Championship table with a comprehensive 44-14 win over Counties Manukau at McLean Park in Napier.

Scoring six tries to claim a bonus-point, the home team were clinical in finishing their build-up play as they took advantage of a mistake-ridden Counties team who struggled to plug their defence after conceding three early tries.

The Magpies were the stronger side upfront with their forward pack led superbly by flankers Karl Lowe, Trent Boswell-Wakefield and captain Mike Corman.

The loose trio dominated their counterparts at the crucial breakdown area with physical work over the ball prviding plenty of ball for their back division to sparkle.

Their ball carrying attributes also proved handy with Lowe driving over twice to score and Boswell-Wakefield making plenty of running metres.

For the South Auckland team, they were inferior in all facets of the game with their usually energetic backline finding gaps difficult to come by.

The home team shot out to a 24-0 lead, crossing for three tries in the opening quarter with flanker Karl Lowe (2) and fullback Mark Jackman going over.

Bundee Aki scored a late try for the visitors before the break but their chances of staging a secondhalf comeback would never come to fruition with only a Stowers try to show for their effort.

Leading 24-7 at the interval, Ben Tameifuna, Richard Buckman and Maselino Paulino dotted down for tries in the second forty to ensure their sixth victory of the season.

Andrew Horrell finished the match with a personal haul of 14 points, converting four tries and kicking two penalties to bring up 100 ITM Cup points for the season.

Hawke's Bay go equal with Manawatu on 29 points, but lie second due to a favourable points difference for the Turbos.

Hawke's Bay 44 (Karl Lowe 2, Mark Jackman, Ben Tameifuna, Maselino Paulino, Richard Buckman tries; Andrew Horrell 2 pen, 4 con) Counties-Manukau 14 (Bundee Aki, Sherwin Stowers tries; James Semple con, Baden Kerr con). Halftime: 24-7.

- HERALD ONLINE