Manawatu, in Jason O'Halloran's last game as coach, took a laissez-faire approach to secure victory. A dominant scrum and impressive direction from halfback Toby Morland saw the visitors notch a points record against Wellington.
Wellington demonstrated similar enterprise but, if rugby statistics were stocks, investors would be wise to buy turnovers. It was as if a gentlemen's agreement was in place that the ball should alternate between each side every couple of minutes.
Manawatu were effectively given a seven-point start in the opening minute when Wellington threw casual passes across their own goalline and turned their backs when the ball went into touch. 'Relaxed' was one way to describe the approach, 'farcical' another. Manawatu hooker Nick Grogan threw stealthily to captain Callum Gibbins who burrowed across against minimal resistance.
The teams went try for try across the first half, with Manawatu heading to the break 22-12 ahead. The defences often mimicked a sieve of matadors as runners sniped, swerved and stepped at will.
Manawatu seized their opportunities best in broken play while Wellington exposed gaps down their right flank, particularly through the pace of wing Jason Woodward.
Wellington 33 (A. Savea, J. Woodward, J. Toomaga-Allen, R. Goodes, C. Jane tries, Woodward 4 con)
Manawatu 39 (C. Gibbins, H. Bedwell-Curtis, T. Morland, Nathan Tudreu, Newton Tudreu tries, O. Black 4 con, 2 pen) Halftime: Manawatu 22-12.
