Rugby: Northland dismantle Southland

Tim Bond takes the ball into contact during Northland's win over Southland in Invercargill. Photo / Getty Images

Northland produced a stunning display of attacking rugby to dismantle Southland 44-13 in round three of the Mitre 10 Cup.

The Taniwha hadn't picked up an away victory in their last 13 attempts but a more composed side than seen in the last two seasons strode onto Rugby Park in Invercargill.

Northland had the first scoring opportunity of the match with Dan Hawkins nailing a penalty from right in front after just four minutes.

Southland also had their chances in the opening exchanges but Northland, as they have done all season, defended with precision meaning Southland had to settle for a Scott Eade penalty to tie things up.

Jone Macilai and Phil Kite were constantly probing in their first starts for the season, rewarding the faith coach Derren Witcombe paid them.

In the space of three minutes, Rene Ranger tore through the Southland defence only for both to go unrewarded.

It was only a matter of time before Northland crossed the white line and it happened at the 20 minute mark. Macilai surged through two defenders before handing off to Goodhue for his first try in the Cambridge Blue.

Scott Eade added a penalty to reduce the deficit to four as both sides began to break the game open.

Northland showed their liking for attacking rugby as they turned down a shot at goal to take a lineout inside Southland's 22.

The gamble paid off as after 13 phases a great pass from Ranger found fullback Solomon Alaimalo who gave it on to wing Jordan Hyland to cross for the five-pointer four minutes out from the break.

Not content with their lead, Northland again worked their way down the field through a series of quick offloads. Halfback Sam Nock then spotted a gap down the blind side to pick up Northland's third try.

Hawkins added the extras to give his side a 22-6 lead going into the sheds.

Northland started the second half in strong fashion as they built phase upon phase of pressure on Southland. It resulted in another penalty for Hawkins, who had a sublime game running the cutter from first five.

The Taniwha cracked the Southland line after a sustained attack as Ranger put in a perfect grubber causing a Southland mistake, giving Macilai the chance for a well-deserved try in the corner.

Hawkins duly added the extras to move the score out to 32-6.

Southland spent some rare time in Northland's 22 but were unable to show the clinical edge their opponents had.

Northland showed them how its done as Goodhue made another line break before finding Alaimalo to score their fifth try.

Southland made a quick break and managed to score their opening try in the 70th minute through wing Aleki Morris to add some respectability to their score.

But it was Northland's night as they came roaring back down the field and after a couple of strong hit-ups from the pack, replacement hooker Jordan Olsen burrowed over in the corner.

Northland held off one final burst from Southland to clinch their second bonus point win in 2017.

Northland 44 (Jack Goodhue, Jordan Hyland, Sam Nock, Jone Macilai, Solomon Alaimalo tries, Dan Hawkins 4 con, 2 pen)
Southland 13 (Aleki Morris try, Mike Molloy con, Scott Eade 2 pen)
HT: 22-6