The Marty McKenzie show was on full display in the capital as Taranaki firmed as Premiership semifinalists with a dominant performance, beating Wellington 54-31. At least wing Joe Hill ran with some dash, but their pack was demolished as Taranaki took the direct route. The visitors posted their highest score against the Lions, and a hat-trick to classy Blues-bound fullback Stephen Perofeta helped blow the score out. The midfield of Johnny Fa'auli and Seta Tamanivalu was aggressive without the ball and potent with it. Taranaki 54 (Stephen Perofeta 3, Iopu Iopu-Aso, Toa Halafihi, Seta Tamanivalu, Jackson Ormond tries; Marty McKenzie 4 con, 3 pen, Perofeta con), Wellington 31 (Alex Fidow, Joe Hill, James Blackwell, Mark Reddish tries; Jackson Garden-Bachop 4 con, pen).

Source: Otago Daily Times October 09, 2016 05:03 UTC