SEMIFINAL HIGHLIGHTS: Taranaki v Tasman
- 1952
The Tasman Makos edged Taranaki 30-29 in a thrilling Mitre 10 Cup Premiership semi-final. Taranaki crossed for two first half tries to one, but Tasman kept the scoreboard ticking over with four successful penalties to one as the sides were deadlocked at 17-17 at the break. An early second half Tasman try was followed by a penalty as the visitors stormed into a 27-17 lead. But Taranaki hit back with two tries in quick succession to hit the front at 29-27 heading into the final quarter of the match. However, a Tasman penalty with around 15 minutes to play saw them sneak in front by a single point. Taranaki had a chance to win it with a long range penalty attempt from inside their own half with just four minutes remaining, but the kick went wide as Tasman held on for the victory by the slenderest of margins. Tasman will face off with defending champions Canterbury in the Premiership final.