Sevens: Northland fall short in nationals tune-up

Northland huddle before their match against Counties Manukau at the Bay of Plenty Regional Sevens tournament. Photo / Northland Rugby Union

Northland wrapped up their preparations for this weekend's 2017 Bayleys National Sevens competition with a semifinal loss at the Bay of Plenty Provincial Sevens at Mount Maunganui.

The Peter Nock-coached Northland side made their way into the final four courtesy of a strong comeback after an early loss in pool play.

Their strongest opponents in Pool B, Counties Manukau, got off to a flyer as they eased to a comfortable 26-10 win over the Taniwha.

Losing their opening match meant Northland needed to win both of their last fixtures to qualify for the cup semifinals.

Northland provided a much sterner and more clinical performance in their second match of the day to topple Taranaki 29-12.

This set up a do-or-die clash with Bay of Plenty Blue, who were coached by Paul Tietjens, son of the great Sir Gordon Tietjens.

Northland left their surge until the last two minutes but they made them count, scoring two tries to give them a 20-14 victory and clinch a semifinal berth.

After vanquishing one Tietjens, they came up against the other. Sir Gordon's Samoan Barbarians were their opponents in the last-four clash.

The Samoan team had a sprinkling of international talent and that showed as they provided a master class in sevens play.

Northland were thoroughly outplayed as the Samoan Barbarians won the playoff match 29-0.

Waikato defeated the Samoan side 26-14 in the final.

Northland now head to the National tournament in Rotorua this weekend, but injuries to Bram Egli, Dan Wells and Issac O'Grady will be of concern to the coaching staff.