KEY POINTS:
North Harbour 34
Manawatu 16
Inspired by a 19-point haul by the young utility back Jack McPhee, North Harbour yesterday shook off some of their post-Ranfurly Shield depression to move into the middle section of the Air New Zealand Cup.
But it was a flawed performance against one of the competition's bottom sides, and it will clearly take a little more from Harbour if they are to rekindle enthusiasm among their dwindling army of fans. There was another modest attendance at the North Harbour Stadium, probably no more than about 2000.
And coach Wayne Pivac, though pleased to be still on track for a place in the top eight playoffs, was hardly reaching for superlatives afterwards. His main disappointment was a high error rate.
McPhee, who spent most of the game at first five-eighths before injuries removed him to the wing, was one who could be satisfied with his match, scoring the last try to give Harbour a bonus point and landing all six shots at goal.
"He's been one who has been playing well for us," Pivac said. "He's a big kicker and has got a good passing game."
Another mitigating factor was an on-going injury toll, with captain Nick Williams and promising forward Chris Smith almost certainly out for the rest of the season.
Harbour started strongly with a smart try to fullback George Pisi, but their mistakes meant a halftime lead of only 13-11. That, however, had been into a difficult wind and probably it was Manawatu who had more reason to be unhappy with their first spell effort.
They made even more mistakes than Harbour and their only reward with the wind advantage was a try to prop Talau Hala after a strong burst from centre Johnny Leota.
"In the first half we were just horrible," said coach Dave Rennie.
"We just made too many mistakes and turnovers."
Manawatu did improve in the second spell, making a number of line breaks but lacking finish.
Harbour, by contrast, made better use of their second spell chances, with tries to halfback Brett Ingham, in his first start, prop James Afoa and McPhee ensuring maximum points.
