Manuwatu have kicked a penalty after the full time siren to hold off Southland 34-31 in rainy Palmerston North.
Manawatu lead 24-0 at the break, after a brace of tries by former Warriors player Ngani Laumape and captain Callum Gibbins.
Southland began their fightback by scoring two quick tries after the break through Mike Mafi barged his way over and Junior Ngalufe scored off a great counter attacking run.
Laumape scored his third off an intercept with 30 minutes remaining.
Stags first-five Wharenui Hawera scored a try and kicked a penalty to bring the away team within a converted try heading into the final quarter.
Southland flanker Bill Fukofua slid over in the right hand corner with minutes to play. Hawera landed the side line conversion to tie things up.
Turbos first-five Otere Black kicked the match-winning penalty after the fulltime siren after the Stags gave away a ruck infringement penalty.
Black was a perfect six from six with the boot tonight.
Newshub.
