Wellington snatch late, dour win over Bay of Plenty

Wellington's Cory Jane scores his team's winning try. Marty Melville / Getty Images

Wellington snatched a sweet result from a sour provincial rugby spectacle tonight, conjuring a late try by winger Cory Jane to down Bay of Plenty 11-6.

The only memorable attacking move of a dour Air New Zealand Cup game came in the final play as Jane darted over in the left corner to break the deadlock at Westpac Stadium.

Despite ideal conditions, the match descended into a wrestle for territory from the outset.

It appeared headed for a 6-6 draw before All Blacks flankers Jerry Collins and Chris Masoe stamped their imprint.

They produced some slick buildup work and handed New Zealand sevens flyer Jane enough room to break the hearts of a Bay of Plenty side who were all industry in their first game of the competition.

Following their scratchy 30-14 win over Taranaki last week, Wellington were even more disjointed tonight.

They made an extraordinary decision seven minutes from the end to turn down a kickable penalty shot at goal and play for an attacking lineout.

It appeared to backfire as the errors that marred their performance continued.

Knocked off their stride by an unfancied Bay side who were strong at scrum time and physical at the breakdown, Wellington were often reduced to aimless kicking.

The presence of All Blacks Collins, Masoe and Neemia Tialata had only limited impact while the timing of their big-name backs was often askew.

Bay of Plenty based their game around the boot of first five-eighth Murray Williams, tactics which were effective but ensured the game never lit up.

Williams twice gave his side the lead with penalties in the ninth and 65th minutes but on both occasions his opposite Jimmy Gopperth replied in kind almost straight away.

Gopperth missed easy penalty chances either side of halftime, when the scores were locked at 3-3.

Some bright news for Wellington was a solid return to first class rugby for All Blacks centre Conrad Smith, sidelined for five months recovering from a broken leg.

Smith had few chances to impress in his half hour off the reserve bench but made a couple of lively surges.

Wellington captain Tana Umaga left the game at halftime with a finger injury.

Wellington 11 (Cory Jane try; Jimmy Gopperth 2 pen)
Bay of Plenty 6 (Murray Williams 2 pen).

Halftime: 3-3.

- NZPA