Turbos blow Waikato away

Editor

Manawatu cruised to an emphatic 54-20 ITM Cup 'crossover' victory over Waikato in Palmerston North on Saturday.

Manawatu cruised to an emphatic 54-20 ITM Cup 'crossover' victory over Waikato in Palmerston North on Saturday.

The six tries to two win was set up in the first half, as the Turbos took a 35-17 lead into the break and never looked back.

The hosts were in front 35-3 on the half hour mark, only for the Mooloos to hit back with two tries on the stroke of half-time.

In his final chance to impress ahead of the All Blacks' World Cup squad announcement, fly-half Aaron Cruden put in a masterful performance for Manawatu – scoring one try as well as kicking all of his goals, slotting four penalties and six conversions.

In all, Cruden scored 29 points as the Turbos move clear of Hawke's Bay on the top of the Championship ladder.

Waikato have missed the chance to regain their top spot in the Premiership and sit in second.

The scorers:

For Manawatu:
Tries: Oliver, Clare, Crosswell, Cruden, Tikoirotuma, Marshall
Cons: Cruden 6
Pens: Cruden 4

For Waikato:
Tries: Willison, Tokula
Cons: Renata 2
Pens: Renata 2