Rugby: Taranaki live up to pre-season hype

Taranaki's Jarrad Hoeata. Photo / Getty Images

Taranaki showed what the pre-season talk was all about by whipping Tasman 33-11 in a ITM Cup rugby match in New Plymouth tonight.

Following a disappointing opening loss at home to Northland last weekend, Taranaki bounced back with a dominant five tries-to-one performance in slippery conditions.

The result means Tasman remain point-less after losing 20-11 in Wellington a week ago.

They scored the first and last points but Taranaki dominated the middle stages, snaring a bonus point soon after halftime when a slick backline move gave winger David Smith space to dash over in the left corner.

The finishing prowess of the Taranaki backs was the biggest difference between the sides, with a swag of attacking players acquired from outside the province -- including Smith, halfback Tyson Keats, fullback Kurt Baker, winger Andre Taylor and centre George Pisi -- shining.

Those newcomers, complementing a typically tough pack and the arrival of Hurricanes coach Colin Cooper, prompted Taranaki pundits to declare their team were semifinal prospects this season.

They looked it at times, particularly during a 32-minute period either side of the break when they crossed four times -- a tremendous response to two early penalties by Tasman halfback Steve Alfeld.

The first try went to Baker off a short pass by second five-eighth Jayden Hayward, followed by Keats crossing after Tasman spilled a high kick, a problem that dogged them all night.

Flanker Jarrad Hoeata, arguably the best forward on show, charged down the blindside to give his team a 21-6 halftime advantage.

Errors crept into the match in the second half but it finished in a flurry when Tasman reserve hooker Vernon Fredericks and Pisi crossed.

Reserve flanker Scott Waldrom returned to Taranaki action from a thumb injury but marred his game with a late sinbinning for repeated offending.

Taranaki 33 (Kurt Baker, Tyson Keats, Jarrad Hoeata, David Smith, George Pisi tries; Willie Ripia 3 con, Beauden Barrett con) Tasman 11 (Vernon Fredericks try; Steve Alfeld 2 pen). Halftime: 21-6.

- NZPA