Rugby: Tasman hold off Counties-Manukau in thriller

  • 23/09/2018

Tasman propelled a late Counties Manukau comeback to secure a thrilling 21-19 win in Nelson.

The Mako claimed a healthy early lead courtesy of tries to Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta and one unlikely open field surge from prop Wyatt Crockett.

Wing Will Jordan added another to give the hosts a 14-0 advantage at halftime, which they stretched to 21-0 just minutes into the second half.

But the Steelers stormed back in the second stanza, as sevens star Sione Molia scored to start the resurgence and was quickly followed by hooker Joe Royal.

In the dying minutes, Tevita Nabura bolted into the corner to complete a sweeping Counties movement, giving Luteru Laulala a sidleine conversion to tie the match.

Laulala sent his effort wide, and the Mako held on to consolidate second place on the premiership ladder behind the unstoppable Aucklanders.

In the later game, wing Ben Lam lead a 49-7 demolition of a hapless Manawatu side in Palmerston North.

Newshub.