Pirates pay dearly for poor defence

If only Pirates hadn't forgotten to bring their tackling bags to practice last week ...
Just kidding, of course, but on Saturday they paid dearly for a first-half defensive line that was as thin as an anorexic model in their Wanganui premier rugby match against Marist at Spriggens Park.
Marist, aided by a stiff wind, looked to have Pirates game, set and dispatched by halftime when they led 29-8, but in the end they staggered across the line 34-28, their pack under extreme pressure, their defence seriously stretched.
Dave Hoskin Carriers Marist, coming off a 24-3 belting from Border eight days previously, started strongly and centre Rusiate Vukula could have scored twice in the first five minutes, but for being forced out in the corner and dropping the ball with the line open.
But it wasn't long before the flimsy Pirates defence was breached, winger Sam Scown weaving his way through almost untouched for an easy touchdown.
Fullback Matt Neilson was also "waved through" after 30 minutes.
Pirates, who only started with four reserves, must have got a deserved serve from coach Tom Rawiri at the break because they emerged for the second half with more resolve.
It took them almost 20 minutes to close the gap but close it they did with tries to centre Johnny Mow, lock Andrew Slight and No8 Phil Sterling but Marist, like a weary pacemaker in the Melbourne Cup, just lasted. It was a grandstand finish to a match that was anything but outstanding.
The handling was often poor, the option-taking mindboggling at times and the execution of basic skills left a lot to be desired. One Marist kick-off from halfway didn't get even close to the opposition's 10-metre line. And then there was Pirates' defence ...
But there were some performances worth noting. Pirates halfback Ricky Boniface continues to give solid service from the scrum, first-five Tautahi Rawiri was tidy and lock Semi Kedrawaca worked hard. For Marist, Sean Brown was neat again, Neilson was brave - and battered - Vukula lively, though he tainted his efforts with a no-arms tackle.
He is already on two yellows for tackling offences. In the pack, locks Bradley Graham and Aidan Fitzgerald worked diligently.
Marist might have emerged triumphant, but the crown sitting on their head is looking very shaky indeed.
They will need to improve on their second-half meltdown to next hold out Ruapehu, no doubt fuming after Saturday's 16-13 loss to Ratana at home.
Meanwhile, Wanganui Car Centre Kaierau easily accounted for Taihape 46-8 (eight tries to one) with No8 Darren Munro having a wow of a game and marking it with two tries.
Utiku, inspired by a rousing display from veteran prop Matt Gilbert, bumped off Marton 28-12 at Taihape, while Counties went down to Border 24-5.