The Northland rugby team have climbed to 11th on the Air New Zealand Cup points table, with a 25-18 victory over Manawatu in Palmerston North.
The Taniwha made better use of a gusty Manawatu wind to take the lead in the second half and defended spiritedly in the last five minutes to seal the win.
Fullback Jared Payne was a standout for the visitors and stalwart first five David Holwell came on in the second half and controlled the match with good option taking and a strong kicking game.
Manawatu now sit in 10th place one spot ahead of Northland.
