Taranaki keeps hands on Shield

By: Guy Heveldt | Rugby News | Sunday September 2 2012 7:42

Taranaki's held onto the Ranfurly Shield, beating a gallant Tasman side 49-40 in a pulsating challenge in New Plymouth.

Both sides scored five tries each in a match that was a stark contrast to the usual Shield matches.

Beauden Barrett scored 29 points for the hosts while Kurt Baker scored two tries.

Midfielder Jayden Hayward says there were nervous moments when they were only up by four in the last 10 minutes.

"To sneak away with the win, it's just fantastic and just goes to show that every team that comes and tries to get the Shield off us, we're going to have to be on our game."

Tasman prop Campbell Johnstone says both sides were keen to use the ball from wherever.

"We all probably talked about defence but we all lacked it out there tonight and let tries in all over the place but something I think both teams will probably work on is our defence."

But Taranaki first five Barrett says they had to hold on for the last 10 minutes.

"Boys (have) done well to guts it out in the end there, it's (a) typical Shield game - it's always going to be close but credit to our 'Naki boys. This is what we've got to expect every week so we've got a lot to work on but just pleased with the defence."

Earlier, Northland caused the biggest upset of this year's competition, beating Waikato 29-27 in Hamilton, while Canterbury thrashed North Harbour 36-3 in Christchurch.

Photo: Kurt Baker (Photosport)

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ITM Cup | Ranfurly Shield |