Rugby: North Harbour victory ends losing streak

North Harbour first-five Mike Harris. Photo / Getty Images

North Harbour scored two late tries to snap a three-match losing streak with a 28-21 win against Tasman in an absorbing ITM Cup match in Nelson tonight.

Tasman held an 18-16 lead heading into the final 10 minutes but two contrasting pieces of individual brilliance handed North Harbour four valuable competition points and their first win since beating Otago in round four.

Left wing Nafi Tuitavake provided the initial touch of class, beating four Tasman defenders and carrying a fifth over the line with him to give Harbour the lead with eight minutes remaining in a see-sawing match.

Centre Jack Tarrant then towed ahead a loose ball and skilfully scooped it up in greasy conditions before diving over in the corner to stretch the lead beyond seven points and ultimately seal victory.

North Harbour moved above Tasman and Hawke's Bay on the table and now sit 10th.

Tasman drop a spot to 12th on the back of a fourth successive loss, although Steve Alfeld's penalty after the final buzzer did secure them a bonus point.

It was scant consolation, however, after Tasman had made most of the running in the first half but faded in the second as North Harbour, led by inside backs Mike Harris and Luke McAllister, ran over the top of them for a deserved win.

Tasman second five-eighth Jack Umaga was among several fresh faces for the home team and it was his early midfield bust that led to the opening try to in-form lock Chris Jack, who combined brut strength with a helping hand from his teammates to barge over from close range.

Tasman made several line breaks in midfield, but handling let them down at crucial times and North Harbour were able to stay in touch courtesy of Harris' boot.

Harbour soaked up the pressure and were able to strike during their first real foray deep into Tasman territory, No 8 Matt Luamanu replicating Jack's efforts when he forced his way over the line.

Harris' conversion gave North Harbour a 13-10 halftime lead, the first time this season that they had taken an advantage into the break.

Tasman struck early in the second half when first five-eighth James Marshall was on hand to finish off a flowing backline move and subsequent midfield bust from impressive centre Kade Poki.

But after Harris and Alfeld traded penalties, North Harbour stepped up a gear in the final stanza and proved too strong.

Harbour 28 (Matt Luamanu, Nafi Tuitavake, Jack Tarrant tries; Mike Harris 3 pen, 2 con) Tasman 21 (Chris Jack, James Marshall tries; Steve Alfeld 3 pen, con) Halftime: 13-10.

- NZPA