Rugby: Masaga dazzles in the wet

Lelia Masaga scored a brilliant individual try. Photo / Getty Images

It was Friday, it was footy, so it was wet. In what seemed to be a never-ending nationwide tale of rugby conditions this winter, Bay of Plenty disregarded the dramas to surf into the top half of the ITM Cup.

They had a number of wipeouts but figured their attacking intent would outweigh their mistakes. That rationale was on the money although coach Sean Horan would have preferred tighter discipline.

But the Bay got off to such a fast start, when exciting wing Lelia Masaga created a brilliant individual try, they were unable to rein in their own intent. They carried on, had a bonus point try by halftime and entertained the crowd who braved the weather in Rotorua.

They stalled after the interval but two successful penalties from Mike Delany, including a whopper from 52m, were crucial.

The experienced five-eighths was the nifty conductor, aided by the loose trio of Tanerau Latimer, Luke Braid and captain Colin Bourke, whose skill was very evident before he earned a rest after halftime.

In the vacuum, Delany shifted the ball tidily, kicked for position and landed goals. He had some awkward moments, but his was a good game.

Masaga too. He is one of the swag of talented New Zealand wings who will be disappointed they don't make the All Blacks' end-of-year tour.

Masaga had a quiet start to the provincial series, but last night he showed some of the zip which makes him such a captivating watch.

It was serious entertainment from the Steamers, and in difficult conditions. This will have given them confidence for their remaining games against Wellington, Tasman and Southland.

Otago responded early with a neat try to Hayden Triggs, but they were too loose, their lineout was messy and they needed Glenn Dickson's goalkicking to keep them in touch.

Ben Smith claimed a fantastic late individual converted try, after another strong bust from Josh Tatupu, to frighten the hosts.

Bay of Plenty - 40
* Tries: L Masaga, P Burleigh, J Hohneck, C Bourke, S King.
* Cons: M Delany (3).
* Pens: M Delany.

Otago - 30
* Tries: H Triggs, C Small, B Smith.
* Cons: G Dickson, C Noakes (2)
* Pens: Dickson (3).