Rugby: Two look to bounce back

Second division

Hawkes Bay and Manawatu, both coming off losses last weekend, meet in the top-of-the-table clash in Palmerston North.

The pair, developing young teams this season, faltered in wet conditions last weekend - Hawkes Bay against Bay of Plenty and Manawatu against Marlborough.

A combination of the weather, better forward play and tactical nous were responsible for the two being tripped up.

Manager Stu Fleming said Manawatu had not played to their potential in a disappointing performance.

"We let a team that was hungrier beat us," he said. "We missed our first-up tackles and just didn't come up in the line. We looked like we were half asleep."

Fleming expected the young Hawkes Bay team to be "fit, fired up and uncompromising."

Hawkes Bay coach Mark Shaw said his team had been well and truly beaten in the forwards by the experienced Bay of Plenty eight.

Missed goalkicking opportunities had also cost them vital points.

"We've got to start winning away from home," Shaw said. "Winning home games is really important, but we don't want last weekend's trend to continue. We need to start winning on the road."

King Country and Marlborough, both with two victories from three outings, clash in Taupo today.

King Country were comfortable winners over Mid-Canterbury in Ashburton last weekend.

Marlborough manager Paul McKendry said it had been a relief to win, particularly after hanging on for the last 10 minutes with 14 men after a sending-off.

"We're expecting a hell of a forward battle against King Country," he said.

Last year's second division winners Nelson, who have had a slowish start to the season, meet Wanganui away from home today.

Nelson had a bye last weekend while Wanganui enjoyed their first win of the season, against Thames Valley.

Mid-Canterbury have the bye this weekend.

- NZPA