Rugby: Manawatu ignore formbook to beat Wellington

Manawatu turned the formbook on its head with a shock 36-24 national provincial championship rugby win over a witless Wellington in Palmerston North today.

Wellington were close to inept against a desperate Manawatu side who suddenly burst to life after five successive defeats and sealed a bonus point victory with their fourth try to substitute Asaeli Tikoirotuma more than one minute after the final hooter.

The hosts were the better team on the day, showing greater urgency, accuracy and purpose against a Wellington combination found wanting in all departments.

Wellington also got on the wrong side of referee Vinnie Munro, who penalised them heavily at the breakdown, as well as sinbinning flanker Scott Fugistaller early in the second half for repeat offending.

Wellington only stirred to life in the last quarter once they found themselves 12-26 behind.

Young wing Julian Savea came off his flank to use his power and strength to score a try in the 64th minute to give his side some hope as they edged to within seven points.

But Savea quickly turned villain also, inexplicably spilling a standard pass near his 22 in the 71st minute which was regathered from an offside position by first five-eighth Fa'atonu Fili.

That presented Fili's Manawatu opposite Isaac Thompson with a gift three-pointer, which he landed to increase his personal haul to 14 points and give his side welcome breathing space entering the closing minutes.

They needed it, too, once Wellington debutante Tajhon Mailata scored his second try in the 72nd minute after a break by his midfield partner Shaun Treeby.

Manawatu had the last word, though, as Wellington pressed for an unlikely win, with Tikoirotuma pulling off an intercept in the 82nd minute to cap a result which saw Wellington lose for the second time in six outings.

Manawatu showed their intent from the outset, dominating the early exchanges and finding reward when former Wellington and Hurricanes utility back Shannon Paku scored in the right-hand corner in just the third minute.

They were in front 14-12 at the interval after Thompson landed three penalties to counter Wellington's two tries to Mailata and wing Alipate Leiua, the latter a fortuitous effort after a deep kick from Treeby bounced erratically to evade the Manawatu defenders before striking the chasing Leiua in the chest.

Fugistaller was sinbinned in the 44th minute and Manawatu pounced in his absence as centre Hadleigh Parkes scored the best try of the game, picking himself up off the turf near halfway after being gang-tackled by Rodney So'oialo and John Schwalger before regaining his feet and stepping the last line of defence.