Magpies continue to soar

Down and out: Taranaki were unable to keep up their early dominance

Hawke's Bay claimed their third win in a row and consolidated their position in the top four of the Air New Zealand Cup competition with a 18-14 win over Taranaki in Napier on Thursday.

Trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes, the Magpies scored 18 unanswered points either side of half-time as the teams kicked off the second half of the Air New Zealand Cup season.

The visitors got off to the best possible start in the 11th minute through flanker Scott Waldrom, who drove over on the back of a strong rolling maul from his hungry forward pack.

Taranaki captain Tony Penn's decision to opt for a scrum instead of taking the regulation three points proved to be the correct one as the Amber-and-Black pack backed up their skipper.

Fly-half Willie Ripia added the tricky conversion from the touchline and Taranaki were in an early 7-0 lead.

Taranaki scrum-half Brett Goodin further compounded the Magpies' woes when he scurried over in the 22nd minute to stretch the visitors lead following another piece of strong forward charges.

Ripia added another two points from an easier position beside the posts that had Taranaki fourteen points in front.

However, after an inspiring first fifteen minutes, Taranaki went 65 minutes without scoring another point.

Hawke's Bay finally kicked into gear as in-form tighthead prop Faka-anaua Taumalolo barged over from close range.

Magpies' pivot Matt Berquist slotted the conversion from out wide, continuing his fine form with the boot, and shortly afterwards added a penalty which came after a Jason Eaton infringement close to the posts.

With the gap closed to 14-10, Hawke's Bay were back in the game as Taranaki hung tough for a four-point lead into the break.

The hosts came out firing in the second half, and from another surge, Hawke's Bay spread the ball wide. Winger Zac Guildford handled twice in the movement, making the final pass for centre Sam Giddens to cross in the right corner.

Berquist missed the conversion but made amends when he kicked another penalty which ended the scoring in the game.

Taranaki were unable to recapture the momentum on their first 15 minutes and could not penetrate a smothering Magpies defence for the rest of the game.

Despite the bonus point for finishing within seven points of Hawke's Bay, Taranaki remain outside the top eight on the table.

The scorers:

For Hawke's Bay:

Tries: Taumalolo, Giddens

Con: Berquist

Pens: Berquist 2

For Taranaki:

Tries: Waldrom, Goodin

Cons: Ripia 2

Hawke's Bay: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Jason Kupa, 13 Jason Shoemark, 12 Sam Giddens, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Matt Berquist, 9 Danny Lee (c), 8 George Naoupu, 7 Karl Lowe, 6 Michael Johnson, 5 Bryn Evans, 4 Matt Egan, 3 Anthony Perenise, 2 Hikawera Elliot, 1 Faka'anaua Taumalolo.

Replacements: 16 Ash Dixon, 17 Josh Keys, 18 Johan Snyman, 19 Adam Bradey, 20 Chris Eaton, 21 Daniel Waenga, 22 Mark Jackman.

Taranaki: 15 Asalemo Malo, 14 Nathan Hohaia, 13 Jonathan Spratt, 12 Jayden Hayward, 11 Shayne Austin, 10 Willie Ripia, 9 Brett Goodin, 8 Taiasina Tuifua, 7 Scott Waldrom, 6 Chris Walker, 5 Jason Eaton, 4 Craig Clarke, 3 Hamish Mitchell, 2 Laurence Corlett, 1 Tony Penn (c). Replacements: 16 James Annabell, 17 Shane Cleaver, 18 Tom Ryder, 19 Nemia Soqeta, 20 Brendan Haami, 21 Corey Niwa, 22 Jack Cameron.

Referee: Chris Pollock

TMO: Kelvin Deaker