Rugby: Gutsy win for Bulls against Otago

NZ Sports Wire

Photo by: John Velvin 

Ill-discipline cost Otago as Taranaki scored two late tries to clinch a 22-18 victory at New Plymouth's Yarrows Stadium.

The Southerners led 18-12 in the 50th minute after a Saula Ma'u try but flanker Will Tucker was yellow-carded in the 57th minute, leading to wing Jacob Ratumaitavuki's try, before hooker Ricky Riccitelli's match-winner in the 68th minute.
In the first half, wing Jona Nareki scored the only try for Otago, while Josh Jacomb and Cameron Millar booted two penalties each, with Otago leading 11-6 at the break.

In Round 5, Taranaki remain at home to face Waikato on Sunday (kick-off 2.05pm), while Otago head home to Dunedin to face South Island rivals Canterbury on Saturday (kick-off 4.35pm).

Taranaki’s injury list will be a concern for coach Neil Barnes.
Captain Kaylum Boshier and Tom Franklin were the latest players to be removed from the field on Saturday.

Boshier failed an HIA (head injury assessment), while Franklin had ice on his shoulder after the match. The extend of their injuries won’t be known until Taranaki release their team for Sunday later this week.

Meanwhile, the Taranaki Whio remain winless in the Farah Palmer Cup beaten by Otago 60-17 in the double header at Yarrow Stadium.

Otago scored 10 tries to three.

Taranaki play Tasman away this weekend, who are also winless in the competition.

Taranaki 22 (Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Ricky Riccitelli tries; Josh Jacomb 4 pen) Otago 18 (Jona Nareki, Saula Ma'u tries; Cameron Millar con, 2 pen). HT: 6-11.