NPC: Canterbury canter on

Defending champions, Canterbury remain unbeaten in the NPC after a convincing 28-20 victory in Pukekohe but not before Counties Manukau gave them a second half scare.

Counties Manukau went into the halftime break trailing 20-6 after a lackluster first half but found better consistency in the secind half to apply pressure on their visitors.

Two second half tries, including a late effort which started from deep defence and allowed Frank Halai plenty of room to run in and display his speed to score under the bar.

However, it was a case of too little too late for the home side as the damage had already been done and the points cushion was enough for Canterbury to survive, thus maintaining their dominance.

*In Wednesday's match, Tasman powered their way to an easy 38-14 win over a hapless Southland to hand the South Islanders their fourth win of the competition.

*In Thursday's match, Taranaki were too strong for Northland as the visitors ran out 31-20 victors to claim their fifth win of the competition.

Wednesday's scores and scorers

Southland 14-38 Tasman

Southland:

Tries: Halaholo, Fukofuka

Cons: Sopoaga, Eade

Tasman:

Tries: Samu, Cowan, Banks, Lowe 2

Cons: Banks 5

Pens: Banks

Thursday's scores and scorers

Northland 20-31 Taranaki

Taranaki:

Tries: Tamanivalu, McKenize, Thomson, Naholo

Cons: McKenzie

Pens: McKenzie 2, Rei

Northland:

Tries: Gilmore, Macilai

Cons: Hawkins 2

Pens: Hawkins 2

Friday's scores and scorers

Counties Manukau 20-28 Canterbury

Counties Manukau:

Tries: Halai 2

Cons: Stanley, Stowers

Pens: Nanai-Williams, Tuala Sherwin  

Canterbury:

Tries: Todd, McNicholl, Heinz

Cons: Taylor 2

Pens: Taylor 3