Latimer wary after big win

ITM Cup
Outstanding Bay of Plenty flanker Tanerau Latimer has cast a wary eye north and sounded a note of caution, although it'll take more than the five-test All Black's voice of reason to quell the growing noise behind the Steamers after romping to a record win over Wellington yesterday.
The 32-0 hiding meted out at Baypark Stadium against a side who, going into the weekend, were nipping at Bay's heels in the ITM Cup premiership, added to a groundswell of support behind the unbeaten competition frontrunners, who jumped to 19 points in the premiership, five clear of second-placed Taranaki.
But Latimer, who backed up an outstanding game against Waikato in Rotorua on Tuesday with another head-turning display in tandem with loosies Luke Braid and Colin Bourke until he was subbed late, warned the side hadn't done anything yet.
"It's a bloody good buzz right now right across the team ... but even though it might not feel like it, it's still the start of the season. We've gone four straight before and it's not the big teams we're really even worried about, it's those so-called championship teams that you can come unstuck against," he said.
"Look back to last year and (losses against) teams like Tasman and Northland. We had a great chance to make the semi and went up there (to Whangarei) and blew it.
"That's why Thursday's game (against Northland in Whangarei) is so vital. She's a short turnaround, a big travel day Wednesday, so it's about getting our bodies right from today and getting mentally fresh so we can keep the standard high."
Bay of Plenty's win was underlined by an audacious last-minute try sparked by wing Ben Smith in front of his sticks. The move was carried on by replacement hooker Dan Perrin for 65m up the right touch and finished off by flying fullback Toby Arnold between the posts at the other end, although a decent whack of the 8000-strong crowd missed the magical movement, having already vacated their seats.
Bay's win was well in the bag by then, though, built on a stunning first-half effort in which they piled on 22 points in the opening 30 minutes.
They attacked from the outset, and were rewarded with early points after quick work from the base of the scrum saw halfback Taniela Moa, in probably his best game for the Bay, coast through for a try in the fourth minute, shrugging off Wellington flanker Scott Fuglistaller and prop Whetu Henry.
First-five Chris Noakes converted, and a penalty 13 minutes later make it 10-0 as Wellington struggled to get into the game.
Hooker John Pareanga and midfielder Phil Burleigh scored Bay's second and third tries, Pareanga put over after Moa featured three times and laid on the last pass, and Burleigh after the tryline was hammered into submission by the forwards.
Wellington's defence in the second half improved, although the game degenerated into a kick-fest and a series of half-breaks that fizzled through errors.
Another Noakes penalty in the 69th minute lifted Bay's lead to 25-0, and just when it seemed they would have to content themselves with a three-try effort, Perrin set off on his crazy canter up the sideline. Looking on from the sideline, Latimer initially had his doubts, thinking the hooker had pushed his luck too far.
"I was on the bench by that stage and just loved that run by DP, although I thought he'd overcooked it. But all the boys are putting their hands up and doing a job right now and there's just such strong competition for places that everyone's pushing each other hard."
Lions coach Andre Bell was at a loss as to why his side fired so few shots, with the former Bay fullback and coach yet to enjoy a win over his old province in three seasons in the capital.
"Physically tonight we were beaten up and they (Bay) bloody deserved the win, no question - that's why they're top of the table," he said.
"They do the simple things well, have a good pack possessing a hell of a lot of muscle and play good territory. They kept us pinned in our half and we couldn't get out, plus we made simple mistakes to compound that."
Bell said Bay possessed the attitude and players to give the title a nudge.
"They'll be right up there come the finals. They've chugged away for the last two years and have recruited well and are starting to reap the rewards of that work."