Rugby: Replacement wing helps BOP win

NZ Sports Wire 

Two tries from replacement wing Fehi Fineanganofo propelled Bay of Plenty to a 33-20 victory over Taranaki at Tauranga Domain in Saturday's early match.

Leading 14-10 at halftime, the Steamers extended their lead with a try from hooker Kurt Eklund, then speedy Fineanganofo's double in a five-minute span put them up 33-10 after 63 minutes.

Taranaki got consolation tries wings Verekini Tikoisolomone and Kini Naholo but it was too little, too late.

In the first half, flanker Joe Johnston and lock Naitoa Ah Kuoi scored tries for Bay of Plenty, who led 14-3 after 23 minutes, before the Bulls hit back through second-five Daniel Rona.

Taranaki face a tough assignment against Hawke's Bay on Friday (kick-off 7.05pm).

Bay of Plenty 33 (Joe Johnston, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Kurt Eklund, Fehi Fineanganofo 2 tries; Kaleb Trask 4 con) Taranaki 20 (Daniel Rona, Vereniki Tikoisolomone, Kini Naholo tries; Josh Jacomb con, pen). HT: 14-10.