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NPC
TAS vs TAR
NPC
Trafalgar Park, Nelson
Tasman
vs
Taranaki
29
FT
42
Action
Lineups
All
Facts Only
All
Full-Time: 29 - 42
Thank you for joining me on Tribe this afternoon, for yet another shield classic! For now, this is Nicholas Friedlander signing out.
Taranaki deservedly take home the Ranfurly Shield on the back of a highly clinical performance which saw them score on what felt like every entry into the 22. Their structures were slow slick and their backs executed them to perfectly, leading to some glorious tries. The full field effort that saw them push 20 ahead might well win New Zealand Rugby try of the year, and it showed exactly what they are capable of. Josh Lord and Michael Loft were huge up front, whilst Daniel Rona was extremely accurate in the backline. The defence was sturdy, and they now get to celebrate heading into the finals. The win lifts them to second, so they will host Waikato in the quarter finals next week.
Tasman fought hard, and managed to get back within 6, but their poor first half has ultimately cost them. As a result they not only lose the shield, but also slip to third which could cost them a home semi-final, though there is plenty of water to flow under the bridge yet! David Havili ran hard, and was easily their best player, but across the park they were just lacking. Their error rate was too high, and their discipline lacking, as they failed to make a wealth of possession and territory count. It is a bitter pill to swallow, but they'll need to pick themselves up quickly heading into the finals. Their matchup next week is with Canterbury, so there is plenty to play for!
THE SHIELD IS ON THE MOVE AGAIN! Tasman's highly enjoyable rein with the shield is ultimately a short one, as they cede it at the end of their storm week in the final round of the season. Taranaki were always going to be a tough challenge, and in the end the depth the Bulls held told. Injuries hit the Mako in key areas, whilst a few of their key men couldn't quite keep up the high standards of recent weeks. William Havili particularly was just off the pace in comparison to Josh Jacomb, who outside of a few moments was very strong, particularly when working on front foot ball.
80+1'
Blackadder slips as he looked to scoot out the back of the scrum, and that basically summed things up for the home side. A couple of poor passes out the back, and Taranaki scoop it up before hoofing it out into touch! THAT IS ALL SHE WROTE, THE SHIELD IS HEADING BACK TO THE NAKI!
80'
The Bulls drive it to halfway, showing no intent of getting it out. It eventually collapses, but the visitors won't care. By the time the scrum is fed, time will basically be up!
79'
Tasman work a switch play back to the short side, where Parata dinked a cross kick. It sails straight into touch, so the Bulls will throw a lineout just inside their own half.
78'
Lord claims, and Taranaki go to a drive. The Bulls were forced to use it, and were just a little untidy. Knock on on the ground comes, so Tasman have a scrum 41m out just off to the left.
77'
THAT IS IT! THE SHIELD IS SURELY HEADING BACK TO NEW PLYMOUTH! Another lineout is overthrown, with D Havili unable to take it on the run in midfield. The Naki hand it right, where Lennox just smashed it down the park. W Havili got back and picked it up deep inside his own 22, clearing to touch just over halfway.