Rugby: Rampage keeps Northland's hopes alive

By WYNNE GRAY

Hopes of an NPC playoff spot still burn for Northland.

After a slow start, Northland were on fire in Whangarei last night to stage a bonus-point win, give themselves a mathematical chance of reaching the semis - and have every excuse to celebrate Norm Berryman's farewell match at Okara Park.

Standout factors in the rampage were a potent scrum, control in the halves from Joggie Viljoen and Tony Monaghan, and aggressive running from lock Vula Maimuri and flanker Justin Collins.

The result was a huge reversal from the opening 15 minutes which was vintage Counties' enterprise. They wanted to give the ball plenty of air and they had the possession to do the damage.

Loose forward Hare Makiri lost the ball over the line in the first minute, but wing Patrick Petelo and new fullback Phil Lewis both scored as Counties pushed the ball out to the flanks.

They also had the advantage of a strong wind behind them, though Blair Feeney could not find his range and missed with all four kicks in the opening spell.

After that initial onslaught Northland got some ball.

Their scrum staggered the visitors, and they began the fightback.

It started when Fijian lock Vula Maimuri burst through in midfield and his offload led to captain and fellow lock Glenn Taylor smashing across the line.

Another forward rumble gave Maimuri a try for himself and with Hayden Taylor kicking all four of his attempts, Northland had a 20-10 lead at the break.

It was an unlikely turnaround after Counties' enterprising start, but just reward for Northland forward persistence.

There was no let-up as Northland cracked on three tries in the third quarter. Jason Hita got the benefit of a touch-judge decision, Maimuri made his second look simple as he plonked the ball down in the middle of a forward drive, then Collins backed up an audacious Fero Lasagavibau run.

Northland's dominance was so complete that coach Bryce Woodward was able to bring on most of his reserves for the last quarter, sparing the top mob for what could be a second Ranfurly Shield challenge this season, this time against Canterbury.

Counties fell apart after their smart opening, but Kristian Ormsby, Danny Lee, Glen Marsh and Lewis made significant impressions in a side who must now regroup for their final game, next weekend against Taranaki.

The five points took Northland to third equal with Waikato in the table with 21 points.

Points are (Waikato and Counties Manukau have played an extra match): Canterbury 29, Auckland 27, Waikato, Northland 21, Wellington 20, North Harbour 18, Otago 17, Taranaki 14, Counties Manukau 7 and Southland 5. Wellington and North Harbour could leapfrog Northland if they beat Southland and Taranaki respectively this weekend.

Northland 46 (V. Maimuri 2, G. Taylor, J. Hita, J. Collins, S. Pinder tries; H. Taylor, 4 con, 2 pen; N. Berryman, con).

Counties Manukau 17 (P. Petelo, P. Lewis, D. Kingi tries, B. Feeney con). Ht: 20-10.