Rugby: Delany steers BoP to second win

Mike Delany. Photo / Getty Images

Unlike many tradesmen Mike Delany was both on call and available for work as he steered Bay of Plenty to a 32-9 Air NZ Cup rugby win over Counties-Manukau today.

Delany fronted with 17 points as Bay of Plenty earned their second win to become one of just three unbeaten teams through two rounds of the competition.

A tradesman first five-eighth compared to many others rated more highly in that specialist position, Delany nonetheless has it in him to guide a team around the field at domestic level.

He certainly did that at Pukekohe today, more often than not keeping the ball in hand as Bay of Plenty chose to engage the free-spirited Counties-Manukau team in seeking to use the full width of the field.

Delany also packed his kicking boots, as he landed six of eight attempts with five penalties, including one monster effort from 55m, plus one conversion.

The Bay of Plenty forwards showed a technical proficiency lacking in their opposites, superior body positioning meaning they held sway at the breakdown and turned over possession throughout.

Both teams were on the job defensively, with Counties-Manukau restricting Bay of Plenty to a lone try until the 70th minute when the home side again lost possession in the tackle area.

Bay of Plenty made them pay when halfback Junior Poluleuligaga threw a long cutout pass from the midfield which was quickly ferried to left wing Jason Hona, who had an unimpeded run along the touchline.

Five minutes later centre Nigel Hunt extended Bay of Plenty's lead when he showed strength to bounce up from a tackle and plant the ball over the line before he was tackled again.

The visitors' one strike in the first half, en route to a 16-6 lead at the interval, resulted from the pace and execution of their backs.

They shifted the ball to the far right before heading to the far left where Hona was given sufficient space to cross in the corner.

Right wing Lelia Masaga was a threat for Counties-Manukau on the few occasions they brought him into the action.

Bay of Plenty 32 (Jason Hona 2, Nigel Hunt tries; Mike Delany 5 pen, con) Counties-Manukau 9 (Josh Hall 3 pen). Halftime: 16-6.

- NZPA