Rugby: Loss puts heat on Steamers coaches

Johan Bardoul was one of the better performers in Bay of Plenty's big defeat to Taranaki yesterday.PHOTO/GLENN JEFFREY

A third straight loss for the Bay of Plenty Steamers will ratchet up the pressure on the coaches and players after yesterday's 41-3 defeat to Taranaki in New Plymouth.

Taranaki led 34-3 at halftime after they split open the Steamers porous defence at will. The second half fightback in attitude, if not points, is something to work on, but missing 18 tackles is the most telling statistic against the Steamers.

Halfback Jono Kitto knocked on the Taranaki kick off in an ominous start. There were early positive signs, as the Steamers scrum pushed Taranaki off the ball and then captain Culum Retallick won the first lineout off Taranaki's throw, but the good news did not last long.

The Steamers ran from deep in their own half with multiple phases, featuring Johan Bardoul, Tino Nemani and the enterprising Te Rangi Fraser to Taranaki's line. But all the good work was wasted when they lost possession from their own feed to a scrum they took from a penalty. Taranaki spread the ball quickly, allowing Codey Rei to sprint away to score in the corner.

Dan Hollinshead kicked a penalty, but Taranaki replied immediately with a sweeping move finished off by Blade Thomson. Winger Siaosi Iongi was sin binned for 10 minutes for his part in slowing down the play, as things got worse quickly for the hapless Steamers.

Hollinshead set up a good attacking platform, well supported by Bardoul and Nathan Harris, but another penalty was conceded.

Taranaki showed their attacking skills to score a runaway try as the Steamers defence opened up.

Additional tries to James Broadhurst and Charlie Ngatai meant the game was well and truly over by halftime with Taranaki up 34-3.

The Steamers started the second spell with more purpose. In their best period 15 minutes in, they put 13 accurate phases together before Joe Edwards was driven over the line. The decision went against them in a tough call from the TMO.

Nemani sparked plenty of good moments but often his clean breaks ended with the ball turned over in contact, but at least the defensive holes were patched up. Marty McKenzie scored late in the game to finish off the Steamers.

They have two must-win games to come this week, away to fellow ITM Championship sides Manawatu on Wednesday and North Harbour in Rotorua on Sunday.

Taranaki 41 (Codey Rei, Blade Thomson, Waisake Naholo, James Broadhurst, Charlie Ngatai, Marty McKenzie tries; McKenzie 4 cons, pen) Bay of Plenty 3 (Dan Hollinshead pen).