Taylor puts Taranaki on top
Andre Taylor weighed in with 19 points as Taranaki moved to the top of the NPC table, after hanging on for a 26-23 win over Tasman in New Plymouth on Friday.
While their lead might only last a day, Taranaki somehow found the energy to overcome a Tasman side that belied its position on the championship table.
Taranaki also found a new hero in the form of Taylor.
Three days after young flyhalf Beauden Barrett kicked a record nine penalties to overcome Bay Of Plenty, Taylor stepped up to land four long-range penalties, as well as a conversion and 65-metre try.
The win, Taranaki's fifth of the season, came on the back of limited ball and against a Tasman side that looked more energetic, except when it mattered most - in the middle 20 minutes of the second half.
Despite dominating possession for long periods, Tasman failed to take advantage of plenty of chances, especially close to the line.
While they got a consolation try right on full-time, it will be Taranaki enjoying a much-needed rest and Tasman looking back on another three-point loss.
The scorers:
For Taranaki:
Tries: Ormond, Taylor
Cons: Taylor, Cameron
Pens: Taylor 4
For Tasman:
Tries: Goodman, Cochrane
Cons: Goodman 2
Pens: Goodman 3
Teams:
Taranaki: 15 Kurt Baker, 14 Andre Taylor, 13 George Pisi, 12 Jayden Hayward, 11 Jackson Ormond, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Tyson Keats, 8 Ben Souness, 7 Scott Waldrom, 6 Jarrad Hoeata, 5 Craig Clarke (captain), 4 Jason Eaton, 3 Shane Cleaver, 2 Mahonri Schwalger, 1 Michael Bent.
Replacements: 16 Laurence Corlett, 17 Carl Carmichael, 18 James Broadhurst, 19 Vunisa or Souness, 20 Brett Goodin, 21 Jack Cameron, 22 Isaia Tuifua, 23 Timo Tutavaha.
Bay of Plenty: 15 Toby Arnold, 14 Lelia Masaga, 13 Phil Burleigh, 12 Jason Hona, 11 Ben W Smith, 10 Chris Noakes, 9 Jamie Nutbrown, 8 Colin Bourke (captain), 7 Sam Cane, 6 Tanerau Latimer, 5 Culum Retallick, 4 Leon Power, 3 Josh Hohneck, 2 Daniel Perrin, 1 Tristan Moran.
Replacements: 16 John Pareanga, 17 Pingi Tala'apitanga, 18 Luke Andrews, 19 Luke Braid, 20 Josh Hall, 21 Daniel Waenga, 22 Lance MacDonald, 23 Bronson Murray.
Referee: Glen Jackson