jordar

Northland get a third opportunity with a penalty, but they fail to find touch, They will not be happy with the way in which they have closed out this match. The Hooter has sounded and Manawatu has a scrum to end and win the match.

Northland had a 10m lineout but the ball was stolen. HUGE opportunity lost with 2min remaining. They are fortunate that another opportunity arises though and they have another lineout 10m out, but yet again the ball goes astray.

Manawatu win a penalty but it is just out of range, they set up a maul and Gibbins makes a powerful break from the side of it and is able to run in under the poles for a try.

Manawatu are on Northlands tryline, centimeters away. Eventually Northcott runs a great straight line and slices the defense to go over for a try that they desperately needed. Manawatu are trailing by 2 points with 7min remaining, its anybody's game.

Northland have shifted a gear in this second half, their tactics are also helping them tremendously as forcing Manawatu to play in their own 22m area has proven fruitful.

Northland are 13 phases inside the Manawatu 22m area before Takulua snipes off the side of the ruck to dive over the tryline

20min remaining, Northland have concentrated on territory and are kicking for the corners, forcing Manawatu to play in their own 22m. This time is does't work as Manawatu win a penalty as they did not release the tackled player. Lineout set up near halfway.

Brilliant work from Matt Wright as he gets rid of a defender, makes a break, throws an excellent dummy before offloading on his inside to Nakosi who goes over for a try.

Manawatu clear up field but only as far as the 22m line, Northland get another opportunity but once again it is not taken as the ball is thrown in skew.