Taranaki scored a late try to snare a 35-32 victory over Auckland in New Plymouth last night. For much of this very open Premiership clash, it appeared that Auckland would have just enough class to keep their semifinal hopes alive. Then came a huge call from referee Shane McDermott, who binned Taranaki wing Declan O'Donnell for a high shot on Melani Nanai and awarded a penalty try for Auckland to regain the lead. Taranaki would not submit, and in centre Seta Tamanivalu, they had a potent attacker, who embarrassed Ioane the Younger on one occasion for his try. Taranaki 35 (Marty McKenzie, Seta Tamanivalu, Rhys Marshall, Ben Matwijow, Toa Halafihi tries; McKenzie 2 con, 2 pen), Auckland 32 (Rieko Ioane 2, Melani Nanai tries, penalty try; Simon Hickey 3 con, 2 pen) HT: 19-13 Auckland.

Source: Otago Daily Times October 13, 2016 20:48 UTC