17 Jul 2011

Jane's Cup in doubt as Lions win local derby

8:18 am on 17 July 2011

Wellington's opened its provincial championship campaign by beating Taranaki 23-5 in their Premiership derby at New Plymouth but it's come at a cost with fullback Cory Jane suffering a finger injury that may end his World Cup hopes.

Jane was taken to hospital and Tweeted that the bone came out of his finger during the Lions' round one win.

Right-wing Jason Woodward scored all three tries for Wellington on debut.

The Lions led 8-0 at half-time.

Second-five Jayden Hayward scored Taranaki's try early in the second half but the home side seldom threatened after that.

In Saturday's Championship games Northland defeated Tasman 19-9 in Whangarei, scoring two tries to Tasman's none, while Manawatu had a bonus point 32-21 home win over Hawkes Bay.