Rugby: Try spree helps Mourie's mood

Wellington rugby coach Graham Mourie was relaxed last night after his side kept their NPC first-division semifinal hopes alive with a 61-3 thumping of Southland at Athletic Park.

It was in stark contrast to his mood at halftime when Wellington led 7-3 after playing into a buffeting northerly wind.

Mourie was concerned at the amount of ball his side turned over, crippling their attempts to win well, and wondering if it may be a repeat of last year's debacle against Southland when they lost 12-13.

Mourie reminded his players of the need for precision, and Wellington responded by scoring two tries in the first four minutes of the second half to extend their lead to 21-3.

Wellington ran in eight tries in the second spell to give them nine for the match, easily earning a bonus point and greatly enhancing their points differential.

The forwards, with Filo Tiatia again excelling, provided the impetus, and the increasingly confident backline put a deluge of possession to good use.

Mourie praised Tiatia, saying he had been the outstanding No 8 in the competition. His consistency, ability to create play, workrate and storming runs with the ball in hand were again evident.

Although Southland defended well they had little to offer on attack, rarely threatening the Wellington line.

Wellington second five-eighths Paul Steinmetz played well despite suffering from tonsillitis. The team doctor was against him playing, but left the final decision to Steinmetz.

The illness did not appear to seriously impede him, and he stayed on until the last few minutes.

Mourie was sufficiently impressed with Steinmetz's display to suggest he may start in the next match against Canterbury, even if the injured Norm Broughton is back to full fitness.

The coach was delighted with young first five-eighths Riki Flutey's cameo in the closing minutes in place of David Holwell.

Flutey darted through for a smart solo try after catching an inside pass on the bounce, and converted the last three tries with calm assurance.

- NZPA