Taranaki have stolen a late win against a heartbroken Counties Manukau side in Pukekohe tonight thanks to a stunning performance from fullback Beaudein Waaka.
Taranaki notched their second win of the season with a 26-19 victory but were made to work by the Steelers throughout the entire contest.
However Waaka's personal tally of 21 points, which included two tries, spearheaded the visitors to a win.
It's a tough loss to swallow for Counties, who led at halftime 12-8, after fighting their way back into the contest late to tie the scores with five minutes to go with a brilliant solo try by Toni Pulu.
However, their efforts came undone moments later when Taranaki turned defence into offence to score in the right corner through their inspirational fullback.
Counties looked to run the ball with Sam Henwood after the restart but the loosie was met by two Taranaki defenders.
Henwood lost the ball in contact with replays showing a head clash knocked him out in the process. Taranaki pounced on the loose ball and managed to form a counter attack that led to their game-winning try with three minutes left.
Henwood later managed to walk off the field but will likely miss multiple weeks due to the knock.
To make matters worse, it means Counties begin 2018 with three straight losses - the only Premiership team to be without a win so far in the competition.
Taranaki on the other hand move to two wins from three games.
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