Northland scored 10 points in the final 10 minutes to beat Tasman in Blenheim today, the boot of Ash Moeke again proving crucial. Photo / Getty Images.
Northland 20
Tasman 17
Northland scored 10 points in the final 10 minutes to beat Tasman in Blenheim today, the boot of Ash Moeke again proving crucial.
Northland had controlled a scrappy first half at Landsdowne Park but a Makos revival after the break swung the match in their favour. The
Taniwha looked resigned to defeat when 17-10 down and Tasman growing in confidence but a piece of brilliance from wing Mateo Malupo, who scored an incredible individual effort from 40m, allowed Northland to equalise.
A long-range Moeke penalty would have handed Northland the lead but was just wide, however the first-five made no mistake from in front with a minute remaining - flanker Gary Redmond the villain for Tasman when he hooked the ball with his foot when offside at a ruck.
Billed as the entertainers in this championship division, Tasman looked like a team reading too many of their reviews and they turned in a mistake-ridden, over-ambitious first 40 minutes which left them with a 10-3 deficit at halftime. It may have been too that their third game in a week was taking its toll.
