Northland made the most of their chances to kick-start the new national provincial championship with a shock win over Taranaki in New Plymouth last night.
After finishing second from last in 2009, the Northlanders made an immediate mark with a result which owed much to their tenacious qualities as well
as the charitable nature of their opponents.
Taranaki were sloppy in much of their work and two of Northland's three tries came directly from intercepts as the home side paid the maximum penalty for wayward passing.
Taranaki's frustrations were apparent in the closing minutes when Northland wing Lachie Munro landed a 45m penalty to confirm the result after referee Garratt Williamson penalised the home side then made Munro's task all the easier by marching the home side 10m for back chat.
Northland had the better discipline and deserved to prevail in a scrappy, error ridden affair.
The first round ITM Cup match lacked quality, with neither side capable to retaining possession for any period of time, leading to a stop-start affair interspersed with the odd piece of individual flair.
Taranaki had led 19-18 at halftime after the lead changed hands on five occasions. First five-eighths Willie Ripia's accurate goalkicking enabled them to edge ahead as he contributed 14 points to complement their sole try in the period to flanker Chris Walker, who flopped over the line in the 30th minute following a strong run to the line by his No 8 Ben Souness.
Northland fed off Taranaki's mistakes during the opening half when the home side missed 11 tackles and made 17 errors.
But they, too, lacked fluidity although their backs looked threatening at times.
Full Time
Northland 26
Taranaki 19
- NZPA
