In a thrilling encounter at Whangarei, the Southland Stags secured their first win in the region in nine years, triumphing over Northland with a 31-26 victory. It was a game that had fans on the edge of their seats as the Stags turned a 19-point halftime deficit into a remarkable five-point win, leaving the Taniwha with two consolation bonus points.
Match Summary:
The match began with both teams trading early tries, but it was Northland who took control of the first half. With 65% possession and 72% territory, the Taniwha dominated the opening 40 minutes, scoring four tries and taking a commanding 26-7 lead into the break. Southland struggled to gain any momentum, stifled by a resolute Northland defense that kept them pinned in their own half.
However, the second half was a completely different story. Southland emerged from the tunnel with renewed determination and immediately began to claw their way back into the game. The momentum shifted early in the half, with Northland’s only scoring attempt—a missed conversion—occurring just four minutes after the restart.
From there, it was all Southland. The Stags’ scrum, which had been a weapon throughout the match, continued to put Northland under pressure, winning crucial penalties that allowed them to gain valuable field position. Their lineouts were more evenly matched, though Northland’s accuracy faltered under pressure, culminating in a late not-straight feed that summed up their second-half struggles.
The Stags’ newfound creativity paid dividends as they unleashed a series of crossfield kicks and quick hacks downfield, catching the Taniwha off guard. This tactical shift resulted in four unanswered tries within 30 minutes, completely turning the game on its head. Rory van Vugt and Charlie Powell were instrumental, each scoring crucial tries that brought the visitors back into contention.
As the clock wound down, Northland desperately tried to regain their footing, but Southland’s defense held firm, withstanding a series of attacks to maintain their narrow lead. In the final moments, Southland secured a lineout, and Lachie Albert’s quick thinking saw him kick the ball into touch to signal the final whistle, sealing the historic win.
Key Moments:
- Halftime Deficit: Southland trailed 26-7 at the break, with Northland dominating possession and territory, seemingly on their way to a comfortable victory.
- Second-Half Surge: Southland scored 24 unanswered points in the second half, completely turning the game around with relentless pressure and tactical ingenuity.
- Scrum Dominance: Southland’s scrum was a key factor in their comeback, consistently winning penalties and disrupting Northland’s set piece.
- Late Drama: Northland’s attempt to snatch victory in the dying minutes was thwarted by Southland’s determined defense, culminating in a turnover and a final kick into touch.
Looking Ahead:
Northland will look to regroup as they head to Pukekohe to face Counties Manukau next weekend, while Southland travels to Porirua to take on the Wellington Lions, buoyed by this hard-fought and morale-boosting victory.
This match will be remembered as one of the great comebacks in Southland’s recent history, a testament to their resilience and tactical acumen. The Stags have sent a clear message to the rest of the NPC: they’re not to be underestimated this season.