Bay of Plenty have continued their impressive start to the ITM Cup season, with a strong second half showing leading to a 26-10 victory over Southland tonight.
After a win over North Harbour and a competitive showing against Tasman, the Steamers have moved into third on the Championship ladder on the back of two second-half long-distance tries, making up for a first half deprived of action.
Poor discipline plagued Southland in the first period, racking up seven penalties in the first 25 minutes. However, Steamers pivot Nick Evemy couldn't convert on his multitude of shots at goal, slicing three penalties to the left of the upright as part of a 3/6 showing with the boot before he was dragged at halftime for Dan Hollinshead.
Some sloppy play from the Southerners meant they couldn't convert on the missed opportunities however, with Bay of Plenty taking a 9-3 lead at the half.
The dreary proceedings were replaced by free-running rugby after the break, with the match roaring into life in the 49th minute.
After an early Hollinshead penalty, it was Southland who crossed for the first try of the game, through No 8 Bill Fukofuka. Winger Tauasosi Tuimavave busted two tackles on a 30 metre dash, before recycled ball from the breakdown saw a Willis Halaholo cut-out pass find Fukofuka, who crashed over in the right hand corner.
That was the closest Southland would get, with the 12-10 margin quickly increasing to 26-10 through two long-range Steamers breakaway efforts.
First, a blocked Stags kick led to Steamers fullback Te Rangi Fraser pulling off a kick and chase from halfway, winning the race to dot down and immediately push back out the lead to a nine point margin.
The hosts then increased the lead to an insurmountable margin with 15 minutes remaining, with winger Chase Tiatia picking up a Southland knock-on, shedding weak tackles on a 50 metre dash to the line to notch his third try of the campaign.
All Black flanker Sam Cane had an efficient game for the Steamers, making several turnovers at the breakdown, while Southland hooker and former New Zealand U-17's representative Dillan Halaholo had an excellent performance, showing impressive mobility and a strong workrate.
