Rugby: Harbour miss out again

Taranaki consigned North Harbour to their fifth straight loss in the Air New Zealand Cup. Photo / Getty Images

North Harbour's Air NZ Cup rugby misery continued as the boot of Taranaki fullback Jack Cameron consigned them to a fifth straight loss, 17-13 in New Plymouth.

Up 13-5 early in the second half at Yarrow Stadium, Harbour couldn't contain the hosts, who turned with the benefit of a strong breeze at their backs.

Cameron was successful with four-from-four penalty attempts in the 47th, 52nd, 65th and 74th minutes, taking advantage of a massive territorial advantage enjoyed throughout the second spell.

Their only other points were an early try to first five-eighth Willie Ripia before the visitors clamped control for a lengthy period.

Their 13 points, compiled in 25min either side of halftime, comprised two penalties from first five-eighth Ben Botica and his conversion of the try by halfback Chris Smylie, scored via a quick tap from a scrum infringement.

The tough Taranaki forwards gained control as the match wore on, proving particularly effective at lineout time and driving around the fringes.

The result leaves Harbour still second-last, with their only win coming against Canterbury in the first round. Their last three losses have been by four, two and three points.

Taranaki, who were 10th through five rounds, remain firmly in the playoff hunt following their second arm-wrestle victory. They pipped Manawatu 12-10 last weekend.

Their best were tough hooker Laurence Corlett, locks Jason Eaton and Craig Clarke and flanker Scott Waldrom.

For North Harbour, No 8 Viliame Ma'afu was a handful to lower while fullback Rudi Wulf was industrious.

All Blacks prop Tony Woodcock played his first Harbour game for nearly three years but struggled to inflict damage on a solid Taranaki scrum.

Taranaki 17 (Willie Ripia try; Jack Cameron 4 pen) North Harbour 13 (Chris Smylie try; Ben Botica 2 pen, con). Halftime: 5-10.

- NZPA