Warriors tame the Tigers

The New Zealand Warriors have comprehensively defeated the Wests Tigers 34-12 in Auckland this evening.

The Warriors were off to a dream start when Sione Faumuina crashed over the line from close range after just two minutes – the result of an ill-disciplined early penalty against the Tigers. The Warriors led 6-0 after the Tony Martin conversion.

The Tigers looked as though they had the momentum, but successive tries to the Warriors’ Brent Webb and Simon Mannering made life very difficult for the Tigers. The Warriors held a 16-0 advantage with 10 minutes remaining in the first half.

Then a piece of Benji Marshall brilliance, reminiscent of his freakish flick pass in last year’s grand final, created the Tigers’ first try and the first in the career of debutant Taniela Tuiaki. The Tigers hit back for what looked like the final points of the first half at 16-6 with the Marshall conversion successful.

But the dagger was forced into the Tigers’ heart just seconds before halftime, with another breakaway try, this time it was halfback Grant Rovelli. The conversion ensured a tough road ahead for the Tigers if they were to force their way back into this one, the score 22-6 at halftime.

The Auckland-based outfit pressed their foot onto the accelerator after the break, with successive tries to Louis Anderson and Evarn Tuimavave – both converted by Tony Martin. The Warriors led 34-6 with 25 minutes on the clock and at that stage, any scoreline looked possible.

But the Tigers managed to hold the Warriors out for the remainder of the half and Tuiaki crossed for a consolation double late in the match to save face for the premiers.

The Warriors meet the Sharks next Saturday evening at Toyota Park, whilst the Tigers travel across town to meet the struggling Rabbitohs at Aussie Stadium.

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