Southland 24 Northland 16
KEY POINTS:
There was a time, not so long ago, when New Zealand rugby's prop stocks were so low that reinforcements were sought from Australia. Hard to believe, but true.
No more. Despite the brawn drain, there is a wealth of test-experienced frontrowers around, but the brightest prospect of all dwells below them.
Jamie Mackintosh, the young front row colossus, was a major figure as Southland beat Northland in Invercargill last night.
Northland may not be the greatest yardstick, but Mackintosh, a junior star, showed his great potential before an enthusiastic home crowd.
Mackintosh is of Carl Hayman proportions, even heavier in fact. He led a dominant scrum and made a few great charges around the field.
Hayman may be heading off shore, but could there already be another giant of his ilk in New Zealand rugby's midst?
A big call, and only time will tell. Like all young props Mackintosh will have good days and bad.
Hayman himself had a lull before re-emerging as the greatest prop in the business. And Mackintosh will be able to learn his trade when New Zealand has taken the front row game to a new peak.
It was the 22-year-old Mackintosh who rumbled over for the match-sealing try with five minutes remaining last night. The result put heart back into Southland's campaign while Northland, who have had a fine start, face a tough run in the second half of the Air New Zealand Cup.
Southland were on an upward curve last night, while fast starting Northland had flat-lined by the end.
Northland led 13-6 at the break after revealing far more deft touches than Southland during the spell. They also had fine goalkicking from Daniel Bowden to thank, although he missed a 60 metre moderately angled penalty in the dying minutes of the half.
It was Bowden who inspired the one moment of real class in the half, when Northland turned a tricky defensive situation from a scrum into a long range try.
Bowden grubber kicked the ball after being put under pressure, Josh Levi's chunky frame strolled to collect the bouncing ball, and he delivered a short pass to flying left wing Fetu'u Vainikolo who charged to the tryline.
Southland 24 (M. Holloway, J. McIntosh tries; B. Stewart 2 pen, J. Wilson 2 pen, con)
Northland 16 (F. Vainikolo try, D. Bowden 3 pen, con). Halftime: 6-13
