Undermanned Wellington ceded top spot in rugby's Air NZ Cup to Bay of Plenty, whose first half brilliance earned them a 21-17 upset win in Rotorua.
The Mike Delany-inspired hosts dominated the first spell to open up a 21-6 lead before withstanding a strong Wellington resurgence.
The outcome of a
match between the only remaining unbeaten teams will see Bay of Plenty go top through three rounds.
It was a superb result for a team who welcomed Sean Horan as their head coach midway through this week after Greg Smith had his contract terminated.
Also in the news this week was Wellington mentor Jamie Joseph, who opted not to select most of the All Blacks players who became available to him.
Instead, Fullback Cory Jane, halfback Piri Weepu and prop Neemia Tialata were dispatched to play for Wellington B so as to not disrupt Joseph's team.
The trio may have made a difference tonight, particularly in a woeful first half effort.
Errors plagued every part of their game as the Bay clamped control up front and first five-eighth Delany dominated with an astute kicking and running game.
Centre Cory Aporo busted through several weak tackles to open the scoring in the fifth minute, kick-starting a period of control for his team.
The powerful Aporo crossed again 15 minutes later when a litany of Wellington handling mistakes saw him pounce on a loose ball over the tryline.
Delany slotted a conversion and three penalties to two penalties from opposite Daniel Kirkpatrick as the margin widened.
The introduction off the reserve bench of All Blacks No 8 Rodney So'oialo and first five-eighth Fa'atonu Fili added starch and sparkle after halftime.
Flanker Scott Fuglistaller scored their only try -- a slightly fortunate one as he appeared to be bundled out in the corner -- with 20 minutes remaining and Fili slotted two penalties to bring his team into range.
However, Wellington's dangerous counter-attacks broke down in the dying minutes.
It was among the finest Bay of Plenty displays in recent years, following wins this season over Northland and Counties Manukau.
- NZPA
