Northland knocks off Southland

GETTY IMAGES

FACE PLANT: Dan Pryor evades the tackle of Southland's Robbie Robinson to run in a try.

Relevant offers

Provincial

Taranaki Rugby boss role draws many applicants DJ Forbes recommits to Counties Manukau Turbos lament video switch Similar ending to cramped provincial rugby season Tana Umaga ready to step up to next level Two New Zealand rugby drug violations in 2011 Tana Umaga to coach Counties Manukau team Taranaki tag three of the best for 2012 squad Peter Russell may head overseas for rugby job Ma'a Nonu happy to remain a Wellington Lion

Southland have fallen off their perch at the top of the table and it was Northland's Rene Ranger who did the shaking.

The Stags suffered their first loss of the 2010 ITM Cup competition when they succumbed to a committed Northland team 33-22 in Whangarei.

Ranger on the wing played a key role in all of Northland's four tries and also lent a very uselful hand to what was an outstanding Northland defensive effort.

Northland rushed out to an 20-3 lead early in the game but the Stags kept hammering away at Northland and eventually went into the break just 20-15 down thanks to tries to props Chris King and Jamie Mackintosh.

But it was enter Rene Ranger again in the second half just when Southland had hoisted a wet sail and looked as if they were going to sail past the boys in light blue.

Ranger broke through the Southland defence to run 40m before he setup captain Jared Payne to score one of his two tries.

Southland hit back again through Mackintosh but it took a mountain load of attack to crack the outstanding defence as Southland threw everything at the Taniwha with little reward.

Northland fullback Lochie Munro iced the win when he landed two late penalties to claim a 33-22 victory.

Southland will have just six days to get back into the winning groove when they meant North Harbour in a Ranfurly Shield game in Invercargill on Friday night. 

Northland 33 (Jared Payne 2, Rene Ranger, Dan Pryor tries; Lachie Munro 3 pen, 2 con) Southland 22 (Jamie Mackintosh 2, Chris King tries; Robbie Robinson pen, 2 con).

- © Fairfax NZ News