Hawke's Bay: Spirited comeback denied by Auckland in opener
Auckland held off a brave Hawke's Bay resurgance to claim a close 36-29 win in the opening round of the ITM Cup at McLean Park on Thursday.
Leading 26-9 at half-time, the visitors looked to have the game in the bag. But the Magpies came back strongly in the second half, and at one stage took the lead (26-29) with a quarter of the game remaining.
However, with the scores level (29-29) and with eight minutes left on the clock, Auckland scrum-half Alby Mathewson scored the match-winning try to seal the deal for his team.
Tries to prop Charlie Faumuina - released by the All Blacks for this game - and winger Ben Lam coupled with some accurate goal-kicking from fly-half Gareth Anscombe (who landed 21 points on the night) put Auckland into a commanding lead in the first half.
Hawke's Bay pivot Daniel Waenga could only muster three penalties for his team before the break, but the hosts were a different kettle of fish in the second forty.
Inside centre Andrew Horrell started the Magpies' spirited comeback when he crashed through a host of defenders and twist over the line to score. Hawke's Bay were at it again - this time through Horrell's midfield partner Star Timu who went over after taking a quick throw-in from flanker Karl Lowe.
A Waenga penalty tied the scores up, and then another gave Hawke's Bay the lead for the first time entering the final quarter.
Anscombe levelled the scores at 29-all before Lam did all the hard work before putting Mathewson in for the match-winner that broke the local's hearts.
The scorers:
For Hawke's Bay:
Tries: Horrell, Timu
Cons: Waenga 2
Pens: Waenga 5
For Auckland:
Tries: Faumuina, Lam, Mathewson
Cons: Anscombe 3
Pens: Anscombe 5
Hawke's Bay: 15 Gillies Kaka, 14 Tino Nemani, 13 Star Timu, 12 Andrew Horrell, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Daniel Waenga, 9 Chris Eaton, 8 Mike Coman (capt), 7 Karl Lowe, 6 Trent Boswell-Wakefield, 5 Maselino Paulino , 4 Ross Kennedy, 3 Ben Tameifuna, 2 Ash Dixon, 1 Brendon Edmonds
Replacements: 16 Hika Elliot, 17 Peter Borlase, 18 Kieran Coll, 19 Tivaini Fomai, 20 Isaac Paewai, 21 Tua Saseve, 22 Nick McLennan.
Auckland:15 Charles Piutau, 14 Ben Lam, 13 Malakai Fekitoa, 12 Hadleigh Parkes , 11 George Moala, 10 Gareth Anscombe 9 Alby Mathewson, 8 Peter Saili, 7 Daniel Braid, 6 Steven Luatua, 5 Andrew Van der Heijden, 4 Liaki Moli, 3 Charlie Faumuina / Ofa Tu'ungafasi, 2 Tom McCartney, 1 Pauliasi Manu.
Replacements: 16 Nathan Vella, 17 Ofa Tu'ungafasi/ Angus Ta'avao, 18 Nathan Hughes, 19 Sean Polwart, 20 Auvasa Faleali'i, 21 Tony Fenner, 22 Dave Thomas.
Comments
Ferdie says...
IAMpunter - watching Taranaki-BOP now - both sides too many errors, esp Taranaki given this is their 4th match in a month, expected better skills. Loved the solo try from Naiholo. I'd rather see them hold onto the Shield, thinks that does more for local rugby than winning ITM Cup. Both may be a bit much to ask? They have some tough challenges ahead.
Posted 04:55 25th August 2012
ruckingkiwi says...
Any thoughts on the new laws on trial PR?
Posted 01:10 24th August 2012
IAMpunter2609 says...
Great effort Magpies I was at the game and for a new team missing so many quality players, and of course missing Peter Russel as coach, they gave it their all. Key moment in the game was late in 2nd half we had 29 - 26 lead, got the turnover, quick pass to Waenga to aimlessly kick straight to Aucklands back three which they worked right to our line then got the penalty. Why was Hika on the bench? Any way very happy but not expecting too much this season from the Magpies. Im picking Taranaki to win the title.
Posted 20:15 23rd August 2012