Kyren Taumoefolau’s remarkable try-scoring NPC season continues

Tasman Mako winger Kyren Taumoefolau has already scored 10 tries in the National Provincial Championship this season, backing up a historic five-try haul with another two in an emphatic 46-17 win over Southland.

Taumoefolau ran in a hat-trick against North Harbour in round one, before getting back on the scoresheet two weeks later. The 23-year-old Tongan international, who will become eligible to play for the All Blacks in October, scored five in a win over Counties Manukau.

The Mako prevailed in an 85-point thriller, with Taumoefolau producing a record-equalling knock. Taumoefolau equalled Terry Wright’s all-time NPC tally for tries in a match and broke the all-time Tasman record, previously held by Macca Springer.

Southland halfback Nic Shearer and Tasman flanker Johnny Lee traded first-half tries on Saturday afternoon, before the Stages again took the lead through Sam Fischli. But the teams went into the break locked at 12-all, with Taumoefolau racing away for five points in the 33^rd minute.

It was ultimately a match defined by the final quarter, with the Mako taking the lead around the 60-minute mark and never looking back. Lopeti Faifua an Maloni Kunawave were next to strike, as Tasman quickly took control of the contest.

David Havili touched down for the home side’s sixth try of the fourth-round clash, with brother William Havili knocking over the conversion. Taine Robinson’s try in the 71^st minute saw Tasman break the 40-point barrier, before Taumoefolau put the icing on the cake.

In the final play of the match, Tasman ran the ball out of their half, with David Havili setting up Kunawave for what seemed like a certain score. But the fullback gifted a try to Taumoefolau, who placed the down for his seventh try in two games.

“Strong Southland side so pretty happy with that,” Tasman captain Lee said post-game on Sky Sport.

“The effort from all the boys… one to 23, everyone showed up and happy with that result.”

Tasman will play for the Ranfurly Shield next week, set to make the trip up to Northland for a fifth-round showdown. The Taniwha brought an end to a near 50-year Shield drought when they overcame Canterbury 36-12 on Thursday evening.

Northland are second on the NPC standings, while Tasman are close behind in third. Hawke’s Bay are the only undefeated side left in the competition, having run away with a comprehensive win over Manawatu on Friday.

“Pretty emotional, man,” Northland captain Rivez Reihana said post-game on Sky Sport.

“We spoke about it at the start of the week, we wanted to inspire the next generation, and the only way that we were going to do that was to bring back the Shield. Hopefully we’ve done that.

“Canterbury, they’re the top side for a reason and we knew we had to bring our A-game.

“What I’m most proud of is the effort areas that we showed on our defence. It’s awesome to see.”