Rugby: Taranaki claim win against Southland in NPC

NZ Sports Wire

Taranaki has bounced back from a second-round loss to beat Southland 39-24 in Invercargill on Saturday night.

The back end of the first half proved decisive for Taranaki as they took maximum points against the Stags.

Tied 10-10 after 20 minutes, the Bulls ran in three tries - to halfback Adam Lennox, lock Tom Franklin and wing Kini Naholo - and 19 unanswered points in the run-in to halftime, something the home side never recovered from.

Southland scored first in the second half through reserve outside back Faletoi Peni but Taranaki had an immediate answer to reserve Josh Setu. The visitors lost Jackson Morgan in the 70th minute for repeated infringements, with flanker Dylan Nel going over to earn the Stags a bonus point.

Earlier, Taranaki took the lead in the second minute through a Josh Jacomb penalty but Southland captain Sean Withy hit back a minute later. Taranaki hooker Ricky Riccitelli and Stags fullback Jake Strachan traded tries as the teams exchanged the lead.

In Round four, the Bulls head back to New Plymouth to face Otago on Saturday (kick-off 2.35pm).

Meanwhile, the Taranaki Whio claimed their third consecutive loss of the season losing to North Harbour 62-19 at Yarrow Stadium.

Harbour took firm control of the match early in the first half, scoring four first half tries and a total of nine in the match.

Taranaki looked promising with ball in hand, but Harbour was able to make the most of their mistakes.

The home team scored three tries.

Next week, the Whio host Otago on Saturday afternoon. Kick-off is at 12:05pm.