Wellington propping up the bottom

 

Manawatu have got their season back on track with a 27-21 win at Westpac Stadium over Wellington, recording their second win in three games, while the 2013 Premiership finalists Wellington, are without a victory so far this campaign.

 

The only consolation for Wellington is that they earned their first competition point of the season by finishing within seven points of the Manawatu.

 

The victory, Manawatu’s first win over Wellington since August 2011, will keep Jason O’Halloran happy and ensure the Turbos remain in contention ahead of their clash with Bay of Plenty next round.

 

*Meanwhile, The NPC champions, Canterbury, who have claimed the title six years in a row, have scored 154 points in three games with a powerful 48-3 win over Northland at AMI Stadium.

 

Northland were far better than the final numbers suggest, but Canterbury have been in stunning touch so far.

 

Canterbury, who defeated Auckland (48-9) and Waikato (58-27) continued their rampant run and it would be a brave punter to bet against the title holder’s quest in seeking seven straight crowns.

 

The triumph ensured that the red and blacks have scored three bonus point wins, and will finish the third week on top of the Premiership ladder.

 

Northland, who were impressive against Wellington last week, were given few opportunities against the champions, who initially found the visitors a tough nut to crack.

 

Northland scored 35 points against the Lions last round, but didn't look like crossing a very polished Canterbury line.

 

*Finally, Taranaki have put together an emphatic display to earn their maiden win of the 2014 NPC campaign, defeating a willing but outclassed Waikato 46-17 to record their first victory over the Mooloo since 2011, and put together their highest score since 2008.

 

Waikato had their moments, especially early in the second half when two quick tries threatened the comeback.

 

However eventually it was Taranaki, clearly stung by the fact that they haven’t been able to register a win yet in 2014, who were the deserved winner.

 

Led by James Broadhurst up front, the visitor’s pack was a terrifying sight at stages, shunting the younger Waikato pack backwards, while the soft hands of the Taranaki forwards allowed them to play the game at good speed.

 

Waikato, as they have all season, looked quite the attacking side, but struggled when Taranaki’s forwards imposed themselves on proceedings – knocking Waikato down to sixth on the Premiership table.

 

 

 

Tries: Black, Booth

Con: Black

Pens: Black 5

 

Tries: Woodward, Fahamokioa

Con: Woodward

Pens: Woodward 3

 

 

Tries: Manu 2, Drummond, Sanders, Goodhue, Osborne

Cons: Slade 6

Pens: Slade 2 

 

Pen: Hawkins

 

 

Tries: Naholo 2, McKenzie 2, Ormond, Tamanivalu

Cons: McKenzie 5

Pens: McKenzie 2

 

Tries: O’Donnell, Webber

Cons: Hawera 2

Pen: Hawera