By Ashlee Tulloch
It was a big game for Manwatu in the ITM Cup this evening.
The Turbos only needed a bonus point against Tasman to book their ticket to the championship final, which also doubles as the promotion final.
Despite sitting on top of the Championship, the Turbos were leaving some doors wide open.
But, down 10-0 they were quick to go knocking on the Tasman defence and after their fast start the Makos started to flounder around.
As the Turbos’ golden boy Aaron Cruden pulled Manawatu into contention, the Makos were quick to bite back as Joe Wheeler claimed his second try of the night.
An aerial effort earned Liam Squire 10 minutes in the sin bin, it was Tasman ahead 17-13 at the break.
Referee Mike Fraser may have used his manners, but the lads decided to let their fists do the talking in the second.
Despite missing Graham Henry’s World Cup squad Cruden was looking sharp in both defence and attack.
Manawatu’s second try levelled the scores at 20-20.
The Makos scented the tryline but couldn’t make it in for the kill and with less than 10 minutes on the clock, the Turbos weren’t holding back.
Cruden sealed the win with his second try, handing Manawatu their seventh win of the season 27-23.
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