Rugby: Tasman too strong for Counties

Tasman moved to third on the Air New Zealand Cup ladder after their 52-15 win over Counties Manukau in Nelson. Photo / Getty Images

Tasman notched their second win of rugby's Air NZ Cup with a comprehensive 51-15 win over Counties Manukau at Trafalgar Park in Nelson.

Expertly marshalled by the steady eye and accurate boot of captain and first five-eighth Andrew Goodman, Tasman dominated from the start.

First-half tries to Blair Cook, James Kamana and Sione Holani gave them an all-but unbeatable 30-3 lead at the break.

Goodman kicked the perfect game, racking up 19 points from five conversions and three penalties, including one monster 52m effort early in the first half.

Counties Manukau's problems at the breakdown continued, Tasman's numbers and support play keeping the northerners constantly on the back foot.

Tasman always looked threatening with the ball in hand and their backs reaped the reward.

Second five-eighth Sione Holani was creative on attack and solid on defence, while centre Kade Poki and Kamana made good use of the ball that came their way.

Counties Manukau fell further behind just five minutes into the second half, as they tried to move the ball wided from deep in their own half. Kamana pounced on a laboured pass from visiting centre Seremaia Tagicakibau and scampered away for an intercept try.

Goodman was again accurate with the conversion and Tasman eased out to a 37-3 lead with 35 minutes still to go. Poki crossed for his second try five minutes later and Tasman looked unstoppable at 44-3 ahead.

But Counties-Manukau scored through Mark Selwyn from the restart to regain some lost pride, wing Sherwin Stowers adding some respectability soon after with Counties' second try.

Tasman had the last say, however, with Tagicakibau again guilty of some wayward passing on attack, leaving Cook to latch onto the loose pass and sprint 70m for another intercept try.

The loss is Counties Manukau's third from as many games, following their opening round 31-36 loss to Manawatu and last week's 9-32 hiding by Bay of Plenty.

Tasman 51 (James Kamana 2, Blair Cook 2, Sione Holani, Kade Poki tries; James Goodman 5 con, 3 pen; Matty James con) Counties Manukau 15 (Mark Selwyn, Sherwin Stowers tries; Josh Hall pen, Tim Nanai-Williams con). Halftime: 30-3.

- NZPA