17 Sep 2012

Lions and Steelers top in ITM Cup

9:37 am on 17 September 2012

Wellington are top of provincial rugby's Premiership by one point from Ranfurly Shield holders Taranaki, while Counties Manukau are well clear in the Championship from Tasman.

Wellington's home win over Waikato sent them above Taranaki, who retained the Shield with a spirited win over Canterbury.

Tasman suffered heartbreak on Sunday in Blenheim, visitors Northland beating the Makos 20-17 through a last-minute penalty while Southland sent former All Black Jimmy Cowan off in style, thrashing bottom Premiership side Hawke's Bay 35-7 in Invercargill for the Stags' first win.