Rugby: Sides fail to show All Black magic

Wellington hooker Dane Coles was a key figure in the Lions victory over Taranaki. Photo / Getty Images

Taranaki 5 Wellington 23

It worked out well enough for Wellington but their victory in New Plymouth will have done little to boost the confidence of the national selectors.

Cory Jane left the field with what appeared to be a badly damaged hand - it didn't stop him tweeting later that a bone was sticking out of his finger - while Piri Weepu, who was otherwise impressive, was easily fended off by Jayden Hayward on his way to scoring a simple try. The way Weepu came in high and offered so little will have been noted by all the serious World Cup nations.

The All Black coaches couldn't have failed to notice either that Andrew Hore couldn't really get into the game and was hauled off after 50 minutes. He desperately needs to raise his game - experience and leadership can only count for so much when form is so hard to come by. To be fair to Hore, he didn't have much of a chance.

Wellington edged the key battles and were always that bit more composed in possession. Ball retention was an issue for both sides, but particularly Taranaki, who struggled to build any continuity with the wind at their backs in the first half. Part of that was also down to their tactical approach which was to use the boot of Beauden Barrett to turn Wellington. The youngster had length and accuracy but didn't always choose the right kick for the right occasion.

Jane, so obviously keen to impress and do something to salvage his season before it drifts away, lapped up most of what came his way and seemed to slowly climb into his work.

He wasn't perfect but there was a bit of swagger when he hit the ball and signs that his confidence is returning.

Before he left, he tried a cheeky drop out when he nudged the ball delicately to the right which would have been outstanding had he not punted it. It was close, desperately close, to being a supremely clever move that would have led to a try.

As it was, the first try didn't come until late in the half when Weepu slapped untidy ball to Jeremy Thrush who popped to the accelerating Lima Sopoaga. He delayed his pass to right wing Jason Woodward who scored in the left corner.

Woodward, making his debut, went on to claim a hat-trick and looks a highly promising find.

Taranaki 5 (J. Hayward try) Wellington 23 (J. Woodward 3 tries; M. Hobbs 2 cons, 2 pens). HT: 8-0.