Tamanivalu no-arms tackle keeps Shield in Hamilton

Photo above: Taranaki All Black Seta Tamanivalu won't be a popular man in Taranaki after a try was disallowed due to the centre committing foul play. Photo by Dave Lintott Photography. 

A no arms tackle by Taranaki All Black Seta Tamanivalu affectively cost the amber and blacks the Ranfurly Shield in a dramatic clash in Hamilton on Sunday.  

Both teams drew level 20-all after the 80-minute mark, but after Tamanivalu’s late tackle on a Waikato player on the far side of the field Taranaki gained a turn over and fullback Stephen Perofeta scored a magical try.  

However, that wasn’t to be as referee Ben O’Keeffe consulted with television match official Aaron Paterson and the try was disallowed but no one was surprised as replays on the big screen were clear. That would have given Taranaki a healthy 25-17 lead with 10 minutes to play as the Taranaki supporters in the crowd sighed in frustration.  

Tamanivalu just came onto the field as he was named on Taranaki’s bench having been in Christchurch for the All Blacks test match the night before.

As if the disappointment wasn’t enough for Taranaki fans the main road north was blocked thanks to a slip south of Mokau turning away a number of supporters. Although some managed to arrive in Hamilton before the slip occurred at 10am on Sunday, others took the alternative route through the windy, gravel roads of Ohura which added an extra hour and a half onto the trip.  

The game was a thriller and at the halftime break it had a classic Ranfurly Shield feel to it with the score at 8-5 to the visiting team.  

There was plenty of good rugby in the mix with driving mauls and good defence by both teams.

Taranaki’s Marty McKenzie slotted a penalty kick early in the first half and team mate Johnny Fa’auli scored the first try of the day working in tandem with wing Manasa Mataele off a lineout to give the visitors an 8-0 lead.  

Just before the break Waikato were hard on attack thanks to an error at lineout time to Taranaki and Sevu Reece scored his first of two tries in the corner which was well needed heading into the sheds.  

Reece was in again this time on the other side of halftime as Waikato managed to make the most of loose ball at the breakdown. Reece ran down the opposite touchline and sold a dummy to scored untouched to give the home team a 12-8 lead.  

Minutes later Taranaki replied and number 8 Toa Halafihi literally strolled to the line to score as a gap opened up ahead of the breakdown 22m out.  

After more pressure by the amber and blacks they extended their lead to 20-12 as Halafihi controlled the ball at the back of a scrum to score. McKenzie missed a rare conversion attempt with Waikto chasing the game.  

Waikato bounced back though with a try to Hame Faive which wasn’t obvious on replay but referee O’Keeffe was in a good position to see the grounding. It was then game on as the Taranaki supporters were on the edge of their sets.  

This is when the drama unfolded for Taranaki as the visitors scored one of the most attractive tries that was disallowed due to Tamanivalu’s shoulder charge.  

Taranaki had to defend which they did but conceded a penalty in the process which gave Sam Christie the chance to draw level with three minutes to play.  

Taranaki are one point behind Canterbury on the table but a win would have seen the creep up to first.

Waikato’s next challenge is against Canterbury meanwhile Taranaki are at home this weekend to Manawatu.  

Waikato 20 (Sevu Reece 2, Hame Faiva tries; Sam Christie con, pen)  

Taranaki 20 (Toa Halafihi 2, Johnny Faauli tries; Marty McKenzie con, pen)
HT: 5-8  

Other rep results:  

The Taranaki Development XV remain unbeaten in the northern region development competition with a come-from-behind 20-16 win over Counties Manukau in terrible conditions in Karaka.  

Taranaki remain unbeaten in the competition with a bye coming up this weekend before playing Waikato at home the following weekend.  

Meanwhile in Taupo, the Taranaki U19 side will play off for seventh after being beaten by Otago 62-23 on day two of the Jock Hobbs Memorial U19 tournament.  

Taranaki were beaten by Auckland A on the opening day and will play Auckland B at 1.05pm on Wednesday.