Taranaki 23
Southland 6
This was supposed to be the match of the round. But this clash between first and fourth, played in the shadows of Mt Taranaki, never hit great heights as the home side eventually prevailed.
Taranaki were hurting after being turned over by competition strugglers Hawke's Bay and played with a
steely determination from the first whistle, going in for two tries and keeping their opponents tryless.
The victory cements Taranaki's place in the top four and Southland submitted to the away game and the pressures of being the Ranfurly Shield holder and top of the table.
ITM Cup standings
Coach Simon Culhane will be just a little bit nervous ahead of their big Shield clash with Canterbury next week, although it is not uncommon for Shield holders to have an off day ahead of the big one.
Taranaki led 13-3 at halftime and the points were sewn up with half an hour on the clock when they were awarded a penalty try. The first of the ITM Cup, it came after Jayden Hayward was ankle-tapped as he was about to pounce on a grubber.
Jimmy Cowan, who has played more games (92) for his province than any other current All Black, came on early in the second half. He added energy and control but couldn't fix the stuttering Stags attack on his own.
The Southern team's backline is a mystery. At times they look quite impressive but, a little like the Wallabies, most of their moves are conducted well behind the advantage line and are rarely effective.
Generally they are given a chance before the snarling pack revert to grinding through the forwards. One sweeping 50m move in the second half was impressive but it broke down with yet another error near the 22.
Taranaki had the better of an unspectacular first half where both teams struggled to find any rhythm.
Despite their great record this season, the Stags have struggled to gain parity in possession or territory. The first 40 minutes was no exception as the Southern men made just one foray into the Taranaki 22.
'Naki second-five Jayden Hayward slipped over for the first try in just the fifth minute, after a clean break from impressive blindside flanker Jarrad Hoeata.
Robinson and Ripia then traded penalties before Jason Rutledge - who seems to get better with age but is apparently too old for the black jersey - made an incredible tackle to defy Samuela Vunisa on the goal line in the 28th minute.
The Southland hooker would surely make the All Black team if it came down to a public vote as he is one of the most popular players.
The critical moment came in the 50th minute. After Stags' second five Matt Saunders spilled the ball near his own 22, Hayward toed through and was heading for the line before being ankle-tapped.
After consulting his assistant, referee Garrett Williamson eventually awarded a penalty try.
Southland was better in the second half, making several promising forays into the Taranaki half but lacked the polish to finish. No 8 Kane Thompson went closest but was dragged down a metre from the line, while replacement Alex Ryan dropped the ball over the line moments later.
Their lack of confidence was epitomised by the decision to opt for a kick at goal, which Robinson promptly missed, when a penalty was awarded with less than 10 minutes to go and they were trailing by 14 points.
For the home side, lock James Broadhurst was especially prominent and their loose trio were impressive throughout. Jamie Mackintosh and Thompson were the best for the well-beaten Southerners.
Taranaki 23 (J Hayward, penalty try; W Ripia 2 cons, 3 pens), Southland 6 (R Robinson 2 pen). Halftime: 13-3