NPC weekend roundup

BY GLENN MCLEAN

OPINION: The top seven is starting to take real shape after five rounds, with every game going the way of the favourites.

There were a few results hanging in the balance, including the one in the capital where Northland looked like they were going to pull off an upset after getting out to a 25-10 lead.

Manawatu almost got the better of a Hawke's Bay side that still looks out of sorts and they would have been grateful All Blacks utility back Israel Dagg made himself available.

Dagg was the Magpies' best player by a distance, while young pivot Aaron Cruden looked impressive for an average Manawatu side.

Canterbury made no race of their supposed big match-up with Auckland, who didn't turn up to play in the opening quarter.

There were a few foolish punters out there who thought the Aucks might pull off a win down south, but Canterbury were always going to come out firing after their woeful effort against Tasman the week before.

The spud pickers were brought back down to earth with a thud when Waikato finally found some form in the second half to win 39-3 in Hamilton. Sky commentator Matt Cooper finally got to tell the world just how good the mooloo men are, again, only this time they were actually winning.

It could be a long road home for Counties-Manukau who will have their depth tested from now on.

Of the other sides, things are looking grim for Otago and Manawatu, with both teams yet to get a win.

Southland remain the only unbeaten team after another one of the "ugly" winning performances over Tasman.

Taranaki are still in the top four after getting a deserved win over Otago in Dunedin last week and should be relishing a chance to head north to take on Auckland on Sunday.

Bay Of Plenty got their season back on track with a comfortable win over North Harbour.

WHERE WERE THE HEALTH & SAFETY NAZIS? I almost thought the Bay Of Plenty-North Harbour game was going to be canned after the crossbar came down before play.

I don't know if using rope to hold it together would pass World Cup inspection next year.

WOULD YOU JUST HURRY UP AND PLAY: Is anyone else sick of hearing about what Sonny Bill Williams is up to off the rugby field?

THANK GOD THAT'S OVER: Three games in 10 days was tough work for the Taranaki boys. I wonder how many other teams will get three wins over that period when it's their turn?

NOW GET OUT THERE AND START WELL: Do you think the Auckland players forgot to listen to coach Mark Anscome's final message before heading out on AMI Stadium?

PENALISED FOR WHAT? Lifting the leg, according to referee Garratt Williamson in the Canterbury-Auckland match. I know there is a clampdown on lifting tackles, but this is going a bit too far.

YES, MR RANGER: Did anyone else think Northland and All Blacks wing Rene Ranger looked like a 1970s school teacher with short back and sides and long sideburns? All he needed was his socks pulled up.

MATCH OF THE ROUND

At Wellington: Wellington 31 (Victor Vito 2, Sean Treeby, Julian Savea, John Schwalger, tries; Fa'atonu Fili 3 con) Northland 28 (Dean Budd 2, Aaron Bancroft tries; Lachie Munro 3 pen, 2 con). Halftime: 10-25.

Just about everyone was predicting the Canterbury-Auckland game as the pick of the round, but the match in the capital beat it hands down for excitement.

Northland and Wellington both threw caution to the wind, playing some expansive, fast paced rugby.

The visitors deserved their 25-10 lead at the break, with promising blindside flanker Dean Budd bagging a brace.

You always got the feeling Wellington might sneak it and sure enough they did with some great counter-attacking tries.

Several returning All Blacks made an impact in the game, including Northland wing Rene Ranger and Wellington's Victor Vito.

ROUND FIVE RESULTS

At Dunedin: Taranaki 25 (Beauden Barrett, Craig Clarke, Andre Taylor tries; Willie Ripia 2 pen, 2 con) Otago 15 (Halani Aulika, Hoani Matenga tries; Glenn Dickson pen, con). Halftime: 19-3.

At Blenheim: Southland 21 (Robbie Robinson 7 pen) Tasman 16 (Blair Cook try; Steve Alfeld 2 pen, James Marshall pen, con). Halftime: 6-6.

At Hamilton: Waikato 39 (Tim Mikkelson 2, Aled de Malmanche, Sosene Anesi, Sam Christie tries; Trent Renata 2 pen, 3 con, Dwayne Sweeney con) Counties-Manukau 3 (Tim Nanai-Williams pen). Halftime: 7-3.

At Christchurch: Canterbury 35 (Luke Romano, Telusa Veainu, Robbie Fruean, Sean Maitland tries; Colin Slade 3 pen, 3 con) Auckland 16 (Onosai'i Auva'a try; Matt Berquist 3 pen, Ash Moeke con). Halftime: 18-6.

At Palmerston North: Hawke's Bay 17 (Gillies Kaka try; Daniel Kirkpatrick 4 pen) Manawatu 9 (Aaron Cruden 3 pen). Halftime: 6-9.

At Rotorua: Bay of Plenty 39 (Lelia Masaga 3, Phil Burleigh, Luke Braid, Lance MacDonald tries; Mike Delany pen, 3 con) North Harbour 29 (Jack Tarrant, Anthony Boric, James Parsons, Nafi Tuitavake tries; Luke McAlister con; Michael Harris 2 con, pen). Halftime: 20-12.

- © Fairfax NZ News