Taranaki breathe sigh of relief against Counties Manukau

Above photo: Taranaki captain Mitchell Crosswell scored a try in their tight win over Counties Manukau in Pukekohe on Wednesday night. Photo by Dave Lintott Photography. 

Counties Manukau replacement goal-kicker Joe Reynolds failed to slot a last minute penalty from right out in front to secure his side a win over Taranaki losing 30-29 in Pukekohe on Wednesday night.

Taranaki managed to sneak through in the mid-week round five national provincial championship match, but only just, after being up 20-7 at the break. The amber and blacks’ second half has become a concern though after having a considerable lead for the second time this season and let their opposition come back.  

The last time that happened Tasman crept back to eventually win 25-20 as Taranaki were up comfortably at the break.    

But the win is needed heading into their Ranfurly Shield challenge with Waikato on Sunday afternoon.    

It was the visitors who got out to an early lead after lock Leighton Price pounced on a loose ball. The hard work came when he was smothered by two defenders after gaining some metres and managed to get the off load behind one of the defenders which went into the hands of Sean Wainui who scored under the posts. The competition’s top points scorer Marty McKenzie added the extras complimenting a solid performance.  

Then Counties Manukau bounced back immediately with wing Sione Molia finished off an excellent build up in the corner as the scores drew level at 7-all.  

After two penalty kicks to McKenzie, continuing his accuracy in 2016, Taranaki had the dominance for the rest of the first half with the second try awarded to Stephen Perofeta. But it was McKenzie who ran into the line, showed the ball and fed a beautiful pass to the fullback to score.  

There could have been two more chances for Taranaki to increase the score line, but a television match official decision ruled hooker Rhys Marshall knocked the ball forward in in-goal and a forward pass ruined another opportunity on the stroke of halftime.  

Everything looked positive as Taranaki went into the sheds with a healthy 20-7 lead.    

That wasn’t to be as Counties Manukau scored immediately after the break with two tries, one to flanker Jordan Taufua and the speed of Sherwin Stowers proved the difference after making the most of loose ball.  

However, Taranaki second five-eighth Johnny Fa’auli was lucky to stay on the field after a late tackle on a Counties Manukau player before their second try and referee Jamie Nutbrown ruled he used arms in the late hit.  

Counties Manukau fullback Luteru Laulala was denied a try as the ball came up short but Richard Judd scored shortly after to take a 26-20 lead as Taranaki struggled to contain their pick and go approached.    

Taranaki then had momentum and took the lead again with a try to captain Mitchell Crosswell, but it was Perofeta who delivered a nice pass which finished off a positive build up. McKenzie’s conversion attempted was slotted from wide out.  

Counties Manukau had the lead again 29-27 with seven minutes to play but McKenzie replied with another shot that was successful.  

Given Reynolds success throughout the game, the final opportunity should have spoilt the game for Taranaki but that wasn’t to be.  

Counties Manukau head to Auckland on Saturday afternoon and Taranaki will head to Hamilton to prepare for their first Shield challenge since 2011.  

Taranaki 30 (Sean Wainui, Stephen Perofeta, Mitchell Crosswell tries; Marty McKenzie 3 con, 3 pen)
Counties Manukau 29 (Sione Molia, Jordan Taufua, Sherwin Stowers, Richard Judd tries; Piers Francis con; Joe Reynolds 2 con, pen)
HT: 20-7