23 v 10 
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Taranaki have secured their second win of the ITM Cup with a 23-10 victory over Hawke’s Bay in atrocious conditions at Yarrow Stadium on Wednesday evening.
Andre Taylor kicked three penalties and two conversions to finish with 13 points as the hosts prepared for their encounter with Ranfurly Shield holders Counties Manukau in less than ideal weather.
An inability to capitalise on a heap of possession in the first half put paid to Hawke’s Bay’s chances of victory. With two thirds of the possession by half-time, the visitors had just three points to show for it as they trailed Taranaki 3-13.
If the first half was about possession for the visitors then the second was about defence and holding out the Taranaki attack, something that proved difficult in heavy winds and heavier rain.
The victory sees Taranaki move to fifth place in the Premiership on eight points, ahead of Bay of Plenty and Waikato, while Hawke’s Bay’s Ranfurly Shield hangover was extended by a week as they remain on 11 points having played one game more than the rest of the division.
Poor weather conditions saw both sides keep hold of the ball and play with the forwards. With both teams boasting feisty forward packs it was always going to be a scrappy encounter and one that referee Aki Aso controlled strictly, particularly at the breakdown.
After an early penalty to Taylor it was Hawke’s Bay who dictated terms in the opening half. Despite a truckload of possession they were unable to convert a number of opportunities into points.
Regis Lespinas managed to get the visitors on the scoreboard in the 16th minute through a penalty but they were unable to get close to further opportunities.
Taranaki, on the other hand, were rewarded for weathering a significant attacking storm with Gibson-Park’s try, one that deflated the visitors three minutes from half-time.
Cocker’s yellow card came just a minute later to ensure the hosts weren’t able to kick on with their attack-based play in the closing minutes of the first half. Taylor did ensure they held a 10-point lead, though, with his second penalty of the evening.
As the weather conditions improved so too did the quality of rugby on display at Yarrow Stadium. While both sides were more intent on holding onto the ball and attacking with intent, it was Taranaki whose silky skills allowed them to attack despite playing into a heavy wind.
Taylor missed his first attempt of the evening but made up for the mistake with his third penalty to stretch Taranaki’s lead to 13.
Taranaki’s forwards gained a heap of confidence as the match wore on and the skills of Kane Barrett, Rhys Marshall and a beautiful Mitchell Crosswell offload gave the crowd of 4835 plenty to cheer about.
The rain returned with just under a quarter of the match to play, but Taranaki weren’t going to let poor conditions hamper their newfound confidence on attack.
Wing Jackson Ormond received a pass from Daniel Brooks and darted down the touchline before finding Opa Peleseuma who slid over for his side’s second try with 10 minutes to play.
Taranaki’s role reversal from their 15-51 whalloping at the hands of Auckland was remarkable as they decreased their missed tackle count from 36 in the Auckland match to just four against Hawke’s Bay.
Hawke’s Bay were rewarded for their valiant efforts with a consolation try to Mark Atkins with a minute remaining.
Taranaki 23 (Jamison Gibson-Park, Opa Peleseuma tries; Andre Taylor 2 con, 3 pen)
Hawke’s Bay 10 (Mark Atkins try; Regis Lespinas con, pen)
HT: 13-3
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