Hawke's Bay have been threatening this all season after their opening-day demolition of Auckland and they finally cut loose against a bemused Otago yesterday.
Last week's win over North Harbour didn't really count, as Harbour were so gruesomely bad ahead of their landmark win againstAuckland yesterday. For a side which so wowed the critics and fans last year, Hawke's Bay hadn't really turned it on again.
They did yesterday. They made their intentions clear in the first minute when flanker Karl Lowe secured a turnover, captain and centre Jason Shoemark dinked through a grubber and fullback Israel Dagg - timing his run at pace - easily ghosted clear of a befuddled Otago defence to gather and score.
Two minutes later and they were at it again. This time flanker Michael Johnson, playing his 100th match, had the turnover and a good pass from Shoemark set up Dagg for a dab. Winger Zac Guildford supported and Shoemark got the return pass to bulldog his way through several Otago defenders.
Then it was Dagg again. Otago winger Fetu'u Vainikolo made a hash of a high kick which put Hawke's Bay deep into attacking territory and he then made a dreadful pudding of a tackle on Dagg who fended off another defender to score.
The Bay were a much better drilled side in the set pieces and driving phases but the real difference was the loose trio. Johnson, Lowe and No 8 Thomas Waldrom were clearly superior and more influential. Otago's limp defence was the other telling factor and the game was lost for them before 30 minutes.
The bonus-point try was Shoemark's second after a long period of pressure and Otago finally stirred with a try to replacement Paul Grant. It was interesting to see nuggety loosehead Sona Taumalolo getting the better of former All Black Kees Meuws, while former Warrior Michael Witt had an unconvincing first start.
Lowe and Dagg were the standouts. Many see Dagg as a candidate for the All Black end of year tour. He has Mils Muliaina and Cory Jane in his way - but higher honours seem more a case of when than if.
Hawke's Bay 32 (I. Dagg 2, J. Shoemark 2 tries; M. Berquist 3 cons, 2 pens), Otago 10 (P. Grant try; G. Dickson con, M. Witt pen). Halftime: 25-3.
