Southland start ITM Cup with bonus-point win

Southland scored five tries to run out deserved 37-23 winners over Manawatu in a national provincial championship rugby match in Palmerston North today.

Playing into a stiff first-half breeze, the visitors compiled three unanswered tries to lead 19-9 at halftime, virtually securing the outcome.

Manawatu improved considerably after the break, crossing for their two tries but they never threatened a Southland side who had the stronger scrum, won better second phase possession and looked better with ball in hand.

The hosts' chances of repeating last year's two-point upset win faded when first five-eighth Isaac Thompson was ruled out by injury close to kickoff - adding to their considerable injury toll and forcing sevens rugby veteran Tomasi Cama to adopt the playmaker's role.

Southland, with two Ranfurly Shield defence romps against Heartland championship opponents behind them, hit the front in just the third minute through a slick try to winger Mark Wells, set up first five-eighth James Wilson, a contender for player of the match.

No 8 Elliott Dixon finished off a long-rang Southland counter while their captain Jamie Mackintosh burrowed over on the stroke of halftime to drive a dagger in Manawatu hearts.

The hosts only had three penalties to fullback Craig Clare to show for their possession and territory domination but responded with second-half tries to lively halfback Aaron Smith and centre Hadleigh Parkes.

Halfback Scott Cowan and Wilson scored Southland's second-half tries while a couple of Wilson penalties kept the visitors clear over the closing minutes after their reserve hooker Bayden Mitchell was sinbinned by referee Glenn Newman for persistent team offending at the breakdown.

Southland 37 (Mark Wells, Elliott Dixon, Jamie Mackintosh, Scott Cowan, James Wilson tries; Robbie Robinson 3 con, Wilson 2 pen) Manawatu 23 (Aaron Smith, Hadleigh Parkes tries; Craig Clare 3 pen, Shannon Paku 2 con). Halftime: 19-9

- NZPA