Rugby: Improved Bulls performance not enough against BOP

File photo by John Velvin

The Taranaki Bulls produced a much-improved performance but a second-half fightback was not enough to prevent a 28-24 loss to Bay of Plenty in Rotorua on Saturday night.

After their heavy 42-0 defeat to Northland a week earlier, Taranaki showed considerably more attacking threat and resilience at Rotorua International Stadium, scoring four tries and taking a losing bonus point from the round four NPC encounter.

Taranaki made the perfect start when midfielder Seta Tamanivalu crossed after just three minutes, with Sam Clarke's conversion giving the visitors an early 7-0 lead.

But Bay of Plenty responded through Tamiro Armstrong in the 11th minute before taking control of the opening half.

The Steamers added further tries through Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi and Reon Paul, with Jason Robertson converting all three to give the home side a 21-7 advantage at halftime.

Taranaki emerged from the break with renewed intent and fullback Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens gave them the start they needed, scoring in the 47th minute after Haki Wiseman helped create the opportunity.

Clarke's conversion reduced the deficit to seven points.

The Bulls then took advantage when Bay of Plenty first-five Lucas Cashmore was shown a yellow card in the 54th minute, with Kini Naholo crossing a minute later following a break from Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens.

Clarke's conversion attempt fell short, leaving Taranaki just two points behind at 21-19.

However, Bay of Plenty hit back almost immediately.

Loose forward Nikora Broughton, who had himself spent 10 minutes in the sin bin during the first half, scored a solo try in the 60th minute and Robertson's conversion pushed the Steamers' advantage back out to 28-19.

Taranaki refused to go away and Vereniki Tikoisolomone gave the Bulls late hope when he crossed in the 75th minute after Tamanivalu broke the Bay of Plenty defence.

Jamie Viljoen missed the conversion which would have reduced the margin to two, leaving Taranaki needing another try in the closing minutes.

They could not find it as Bay of Plenty held on for the four-point victory.

Despite the defeat, the statistics reflected a far more competitive Taranaki performance than the previous week's loss in Whangārei.

There was also a marked improvement at lineout time, an area which had caused Taranaki problems in the opening weeks of the competition. The Bulls were far more secure on their own throw against Bay of Plenty, giving them a better platform from which to attack.

The Bulls had 50% of possession, made five line breaks to Bay of Plenty's four and carried the ball 131 times compared with the Steamers' 117.

They also completed 91% of their tackles and won nine turnovers, while conceding seven penalties and receiving no yellow cards. Bay of Plenty conceded 10 penalties and had both Broughton and Cashmore sent to the sin bin.

Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens was particularly prominent, leading Taranaki with 17 carries and making two line breaks, while Naholo made 15 carries.

The result leaves Taranaki with three consecutive defeats following losses to Waikato, Northland and Bay of Plenty.

They return home to Stadium Taranaki for another significant test against Canterbury on Saturday afternoon.