ITM Cup: Manawatu triumph over Hawke's Bay

Nathan Tudreu of Manawatu attempts to beat the defence of Shannan Chase of Hawke's Bay. Photo / Getty Images

Manawatu will join the big boys in the Premiership in next season's ITM Cup.

After a dominant 2014 campaign, the Turbos toppled Hawke's Bay 32-24 in the Championship final in front of a boisterous home crowd in Palmerston North tonight.

The result was sweet revenge for Manawatu who lost the Championship final to Hawke's Bay only three years ago.

The home side were down 14-6 at halftime but that didn't bother them as they made the best of the wind in the second spell, while the hot-stepping Nehe Milner-Skudder was a regular threat from fullback.

Manawatu, who hadn't won a national title since they claimed the old first division crown in 1980, won eight from 10 during the regular season and their attacking brand of rugby was entertaining to watch.

Manawatu's promotion will have an extra element of pleasure to it knowing they will replace Wellington, long perceived as their big brothers within the Hurricanes region.

Turbos hooker Rob Foreman led the team out as he marked 100 games for the province he joined in 2006.

Despite being known for his durability having rarely missed an appearance since making his debut, Foreman was forced from the field in the first half with injury.

It was a cruel blow for one of the most consistent players in provincial rugby who had to watch the rest of the contest from the bench.

Hawke's Bay had the luxury of playing with a breeze at their backs during the opening spell and they looked to turn Manawatu around and let them work their way out of their own half.

That played nicely in to the Magpies' hands and it was down to the individual brilliance of first-five Ihaia West that they got on the board when he produced a scintillating solo effort to score.

When Shannan Chase finished off an entertaining breakout effort it meant Hawke's Bay took an eight-point advantage to the break.

The game was played at a rapid clip with both sides keen to showcase their ability to run the ball and Manawatu fought back with tries to Kayne Hammington and Milner-Skudder.
Hammington, who wasn't wanted by Wellington and moved north in search of an opportunity, had a lively game.

With the match evenly poised at 24-20 in Hawke's Bay's favour with only a few minutes left, Manawatu found the overlap they needed and centre Jason Emery scored to give them a slender advantage.

A late breakout try to Nathan Tudreu then sealed the deal as Manawatu celebrated.
What depth: With Aaron Cruden on All Black duty Manawatu still have two quality first-fives in Otere Black and Jade Te Rure; the envy of other unions.

West is best: He's only 1.75m and 84kg but you can't take your eyes off Ihaia West. Electric running game.

Manawatu 32 (Jason Emery, Kayne Hammington, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Nathan Tudreu tries; Otere Black 2 pen, 2 con, Jade Te Rure con)
Hawke's Bay 24 (Shannan Chase 2, Ihaia West tries; West pen, 3 con)
halftime: 6-14