Rugby: Taranaki grab five-pointer as Counties falter

NEW PLYMOUTH - Taranaki picked up a bonus point when Counties Manukau gifted them a fourth try on fulltime in their NPC first-division rugby match yesterday.

The try, after Counties Manukau threw a loose pass while trying to run the ball from deep in their own territory, gave Taranaki a convincing 35-10 win in a niggly clash played in steady rain.

Taranaki dominated the first half and led 16-0 at the break.

But Counties Manukau coach Mac McCallion must have let rip during his halftime team talk.

Counties Manukau came out firing, with Blair Feeney on at first five-eighths and Loki Crichton dropping back to fullback.

A converted try in the opening minute followed minutes later by a Feeney drop goal left the home side and their supporters shellshocked.

Slowly, however, Taranaki ground their way back into the match.

It wasn't always pretty to watch, but the kicking tactics in the wet and slippery conditions kept Counties Manukau in their own territory and the mistakes came.

Taranaki sealed victory midway through the spell, with first five-eighths Jamie Cameron scoring after a well-worked double-round move with centre Kerry Eynon.

Any thoughts of a Counties Manukau comeback evaporated when replacement loose forward George Stowers was sent off by Wellington referee Lyndon Bray 15 minutes from fulltime.

Stowers was shown the red card after punching Taranaki No 8 Campbell Feather.

Playing against 14 men, Taranaki finished in style to score two tries in the last three minutes to nail down five points.

Taranaki's loose forward trio of Feather, Darryl Fale and Neil Crowley were superb in the conditions, with locks Paul Tito and Andy Slater non-stop workers in the tight.

Cameron controlled play well, varying his play, while out wider Eynon scored two tries. Fullback Mark Urwin again reinforced his claims for a Super 12 contract.

For Counties Manukau there was not much joy. Flanker and captain Glen Marsh tried hard, with good support from No 8 Hare Makiri and hooker John Akurangi. Halfback Danny Lee was into everything, while Feeney made an instant impact when he came on at halftime. - NZPA