Rugby: Southland keep unbeaten record

James Kamana is wrapped up by Southland defence last night. Photo / Getty Images

Southland remained undefeated by grinding out a win against Tasman, about the best that could be said of last night's match in Blenheim.

Robbie Robinson landed seven penalties as the Ranfurly Shield holders made it five wins out of five. James Marshall landed a long penalty on fulltime to gain the Makos a bonus point in the ITM Cup clash.

A growing penalty count against Tasman helped bring them down and as the game unfolded, the Southland pack held sway.

But it would have taken a stretch of the imagination to even claim that much rugby broke out in this game.

Penalties by Robinson in the 68th and 75th minutes looked to have sealed the deal for the visitors but the Makos conjured up a try to replacement Blair Cook with four minutes remaining.

Down 13-18, the Makos were quickly forced back on defence and conceded a penalty which Robinson nailed.

The growing Southland aura and Tasman's shock win over Canterbury were faded memories as both sides struggled for their best form.

Tasman in particular were disappointing. They found a couple of missing gears only midway through the second half but even then there was a lack of finesse to their work.

Tasman did come close to scoring during this revival, but Aussie ref Nathan Pearce ruled out the 64th minute score for obstruction.

Apart from that, Southland held the advantage through their stout defence in a scrappy match.

Robinson's tactical kicking for Southland also gave his side an edge and he missed only one shot at goal.

Let's blame a boggy ground for contributing to a very average first half of rugby. Wayward passes and kicking plus infringements turned the opening period into a fairly dire viewing experience.

The Lansdowne Park surface was soft, particularly in patches. This wasn't mud as the old timers would remember it, but just tricky conditions by modern standards although not nearly as bad as the rugby was.

Rugby worth watching was in short supply. The best try scoring chances fell to Southland but they were remote anyway, and scrambling defence from Tasman - who had the slight wind advantage - kept the tryline safe.

The players may not have been on a wavelength with referee Pearce either, particularly the Tasman captain Chris Jack.

The only points in the spell came from penalties to Tasman halfback Steve Alfeld and rising Southland star Robinson. Southland gained a scrum advantage helped by Tasman's difficulties in this area - Pearce got on the case of Tasman No 8 Joe Wheeler for driving into contact early.

Southland - 21
(Pens: Robbie Robinson 7)
Tasman - 16
(Try: Blair Cook, Pens: Steve Alfeld 2, James Marshall, Con: James Marshall)