KEY POINTS:
Wellington reaffirmed their Air NZ Cup rugby title credentials with a polished 48-12 win over Bay of Plenty here today.
A hat-trick of tries to left wing Hosea Gear helped propel Wellington to their fifth successive win as they created a significant break on the field atop the standings.
Today's match between the only unbeaten teams after four rounds developed into a one-sided contest when Wellington lifted a gear in the second half to score five tries in 21 minutes.
With their tight five solid, Wellington's loose forwards shaded their opposites, enabling halfback Alby Mathewson the time and space to dictate matters.
Mathewson was a busy figure until he was substituted midway through the second half.
Bay of Plenty had their chances but lacked the class to finish off Wellington on the few occasions they were vulnerable.
An entertaining first spell ended with Wellington ahead 15-5.
Both teams endeavoured to move the ball wide, with Wellington's well organised defensive patterns and individual skills with ball in hand giving them the edge.
Wellington fullback Cory Jane scored the opening try in the 25th minute after Mathewson combined with his loose forwards to initiate an attack from a scrum.
The ball was quickly ferried to the left when quick passing and straight running from his insides gave Jane the space he needed to score in the left-hand corner.
Bay of Plenty responded with a try of their own seven minutes later after a long, floating pass from halfback Jamie Nutbrown found an unmarked Zar Lawrence on the right.
Wellington had the last say of the spell, Gear showing clever footwork to beat his man en route to the tryline five minutes before the interval.
Bay of Plenty had the better of the early exchanges after the break, but Wellington underlined their potency with two tries to Gear within two minutes to skip clear and effectively seal the outcome.
Flanker Serge Lilo stole a midfield turnover in the 50th minute, the ball was kicked upfield and regathered before it was spread to the left for Gear to cross.
He was at it again two minutes later after a midfield bust by No 8 Thomas Waldrom and Wellington had safely pocketed their fifth bonus point of the season for scoring four or more tries.
Gear could have had his fourth try in the 60th minute but unselfishly offloaded for Tane Tu'ipulotu to score after Jane initiated an attack with a clever chip and regather.
Wellington refused to let up, ramming home their superiority with a pair of tries to loose forward Victor Vito, the second of them when he detached from a scrum close to the line.
To their credit Bay of Plenty did not hang their heads at any stage and they were rewarded when Nutbrown pierced a hole near a ruck to score his side's second try four minutes from fulltime.
- NZPA
