27 Sep 2009

Otago upset BoP in NPC, Hawkes Bay score bonus point

5:53 am on 27 September 2009

In Air New Zealand Cup rugby Otago upset competition highflyers Bay of Plenty 26-17 while Hawkes Bay beat Manawatu 35-30.

For Otago full back Benn Smith dotted down twice as the home team stormed back from 17-10 down at halftime to score 17 unanswered points.

In Napier the lead changed seven times as Hawkes Bay and Manawatu ran the ball at each other.

The crucial try came from minutes from time when wing Zac Guilford touched down for his third try, giving the Bay a vital bonus point.

Earlier Northland gave Canterbury a scare in the Ranfurly Shiled game, sticking with the Shield holders and having the scores tied with 15 minutes to go.

A late try gave Camterbury and then a penaalty gave Canterbury the scratchy win.