Rugby: Eighth Ranfurly Shield reign begins for Taranaki

NZ Sports Wire

The Ranfurly Shield is on the move again with Taranaki too strong as they challenged and beat Tasman in Nelson.

The 42-29 victory means Taranaki will get to keep the Log o’ Wood for the remainder of the season and have a chance to complete the domestic rugby double.

The win put Taranaki second on the National Provincial Championship (NPC) ladder and means they face Waikato in next weekend’s quarterfinals in New Plymouth on Saturday (kick-off 7.05pm).

Top-of-the-table Wellington will play Counties-Manukau in the Capital on Friday (kick-off 2.05pm), Bay of Plenty have a battle of the 'Bays' against Hawke's Bay on Saturday (kick-off 2.05pm) and Tasman are up against Canterbury in Blenheim on Sunday (kick-off 2.05pm).

In their last four Ranfurly Shield challenges, Taranaki have won it three times and had the upper hand from the get-go at Trafalgar Park.

For Taranaki, centre Daniel Rona scored a try in each half, while first-five Josh Jacobb kicked 17 points.

Lock Tim Sail scored a try early in the second half for Tasman, however, the visitors replied with two quick tries through Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens and Rona with his second.

Tasman front rower Ryan Coxon crossed before All Blacks midfielder David Havili also dotted down with, brother William converting the try.
All of a sudden Tasman were within range at 35-29 but Tranaki had an answer through halfback Adam Lennox, and another conversion from Jacomb, putting the score beyond doubt.
Taranaki 42 (Daniel Rona 2, Michael Loft, Jacob Ratumaiavuki-Kneepkens, Adam Lennox tries; Josh Jacomb 4 con, 3 pen) Tasman 29 (Tim Sail, Jack Gray, Ryan Coxon, David Havili tries; William Havili 3 con, pen). HT 23-8