Late try lifts Manawatu Turbos over Tasman [Nelson Mail]

Aaron Cruden masterminded another Manawatu ITM Cup rugby victory by contributing 22 points to their 27-23 win over Tasman in Nelson tonight.

Cruden's tally included two tries, the last coming just five minutes before fulltime as Tasman appeared poised for just their third win of a frustrating season.

But Cruden delivered on cue, finishing a period of intense pressure on Tasman's line to score handy to the posts. His conversion sealed the victory.

Tasman had made a wonderful start to the game, scoring 10 points before Manawatu had even touched the ball through a converted try to lock Joe Wheeler and a penalty to Andrew Goodman. But there's an inevitability to Tasman rugby these days, their fine start eventually turning pear-shaped as Manawatu steadily ground their way back into the contest.

A charged down kick gave Cruden his first try at 10-7, before Wheeler added his second as Tasman went to the break 17-13 ahead.

Tasman could add only two more penalty goals in the second half, while tries to substitute flanker Doug Tietjens, from a Cruden line break, and finally to Cruden himself, sealed a desperate win while also providing Manawatu with some crucial momentum heading into the Championship final against Hawkes Bay.

Manawatu 27 (Aaron Cruden 2, Doug Tietjens tries; Cruden 2 pen, 3 con) Tasman 23 (Joe Wheeler 2 tries; Andrew Goodman 3 pen, 2 con). Halftime: 13-17