MAGPIES TOO GOOD IN THE BAY

A below par start to the second half proved costly for QBE Harbour, who couldn’t peg back ITM Cup Championship front runners Hawke’s Bay, holding onto the Ranfurly Shield with a 48-32 win in Napier.

A remarkable 11 tries were scored on a night perfect for running rugby in Napier, where goal kicking was decisive. Ihaia West flawless with eight from eight attempts, while Harbour’s Dan Halangahu and Matt McGahan combined for just three from nine shots at the post.

Harbour had the better of the first half despite trailing 20-15 at oranges. The visitors were untroubled throughout the night at the lineout which allowed the backs front foot ball. Continued phases on attack eventually saw Tevita Li barge over from close range, while Michael Little showed great strength not long after to cross from another solid set piece.

But it was the 15 minutes after half-time where the contest was lost. The Magpies made plenty of inroads into Harbour’s defence, with Richard Buckman, Brendon O’Connor and Ash Dixon all scoring off the back of counter-attack opportunities. Israel Dagg proved a menace from the back in his first game back after his omission from the All Blacks World Cup squad. All of a sudden 20-15 was 41-15.

To Harbour’s credit their heads didn’t drop despite the large margin. Head coach Steve Jackson rung the changes, but stuck to what was working wonders for them which was the lineout drive. Jordan Manihera scored off the back of a dominant maul, while another lineout from close range led to referee Glen Jackson awarding a penalty try, Harbour’s fourth five pointer of the night.

Hawke’s Bay halfback Chris Eaton halted Harbour’s momentum late in the second half with an intercept try but it was the visitors who had the last laugh. Tevita Li scored his second try after a no look flick pass off the base of the ruck from replacement halfback David Bason.

Next up is Counties Manukau on Saturday 12 September, back at QBE Stadium.

HAWKE’S BAY 48 (Ryan Tongia, Israel Dagg, Richard Buckman, Brendon O’Connor, Ash Dixon, Chris Eaton tries; Ihaia West 6 con, 2 pen) QBE Harbour 32 (Tevita Li 2, Michael Little, Jordan Manihera, penalty try, tries; Dan Halangahu con, pen, Matt McGahan con)  HT 20-15.

By NICK BEWLEY