Mitre 10 Cup: Execution costs Northland against Manawatu

Phil Kite makes a charge for Northland during their 39-25 defeat against Manawatu in the Mitre 10 Cup. Photo / Getty Images

Northland have put pressure on themselves to perform in their storm week after failing to execute against Manawatu in the Mitre 10 Cup.

The Taniwha couldn't capitalise on multiple chances during their 39-25 defeat, which is cause for concern going into a hectic week with games against Otago and Counties Manukau in the space of five days.

Coach Derren Witcombe said there were multiple opportunities to get over the line in Palmerston North.

"We just didn't convert our opportunities. We didn't finish about 10 opportunities that we had so that's what happened in a nutshell" he said.

"Execution will be a big work-on this week."

To Manawatu's credit, they defended well. Northland piled the pressure on in the early stages but couldn't break through as often as they would have liked.

Northland scored the first try of the contest through Dan Pryor. Second five Blake Hohaia found space out wide before centre Jack Goodhue made a brilliant break after a sidestep put him in space.

The ball went wide and eventually found its way into the openside flanker's hands.

Manawatu struck back after Goodhue made an error of judgment, sending a errant wide pass into the welcoming arms of Newton Tudreu to help Manawatu hold a 13-8 lead.

Rene Ranger's introduction from the bench was noticeable early on in the second stanza as he put Northland into attacking territory.

But it was Manawatu who made the first move of the half as impressive first five Jade Te Rure found a surging Ambrose Curtis on his inside shoulder.

Blindside flanker Jack Ram hit back for the Taniwha as he scored after Ranger popped off an offload.

Ram was at it again as he burrowed over from short range to score his second and give Northland a 25-23 lead with 18 minutes to go.

But in unfortunate shades of their previous defeat, late tries resigned Northland to defeat as Te Rure played his hand expertly.

After nailing a penalty to restore their lead, the first five found Tudreu out wide with a pinpoint cross field kick to further extend the deficit before a Hamish Northcott try from a charge-down secured the result.

Northland look to turn things around at home when they take on Otago on Wednesday.

Manawatu 39 (Newton Tudreu 2, Ambrose Curtis, Hamish Northcott tries; Jade Te Rure 2 con, 5 pen)
Northland 25 (Dan Pryor, Jack Ram 2 tries; Dan Hawkins 2 con, 2 pen)
HT: 13-8