Rugby: Taranaki have dour victory

Taranaki bludgeoned their way to a 14-3 win in New Plymouth last night, consigning Manawatu to the role of probable provincial rugby also-rans.

Two tries late in the first half was enough for Taranaki to win a dour, forgettable encounter at Yarrow Stadium.

The spectacle was what could be expected from teams ranked 11th and 12th in the standings before last night, not helped by sporadic bouts of rain and a slippery ball.

Both teams have winnable games to come over the final three rounds of the competition - Taranaki away to Otago next weekend and Manawatu visiting Counties-Manukau.

- AGENCIES