Counties Manukau and Taranaki have drawn 9-all in the opening match of the ITM Cup rugby competition in New Plymouth.
Taranaki's Blade Thompson in action against Counties Manukau. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
In difficult conditions, the homeside dominated the first half, but were unable to score a try with fullback Codey Rei kicking 2 penalties for a 6-nil half time lead.
Counties' Baden Kerr put the visitors ahead with their third goal in the 73rd minute before Taranaki's Marty McKenzie kicked the equaliser in the 79th minute.
Southland host Bay of Plenty tonight.
