It was 386 days between success for Manawatū, but they can now claim to have scored a victory in the 2024 NPC competition.
The last time they won was late-August last year against Auckland.
LATEST HEADLINES:
On this occasion it was success over Southland 26-21 as centre Kyle Brown scored a late try in Palmerston North on Wednesday night.
The victory was assisted by the red card of Villiami Fine with 20 minutes remaining for a high shot on an opposing player. Early Fine had scored the only try of the first half as his Southland side led 7-0 at the break.
Tries in the second half to Jordi Viljoen, Malakai Hala-Ngatai, and Pena Va’a put the home side in front and looking good for the win.
Stags wing Michael Manson scored a good try six minutes into the second half and then in dying stages of the match the visitors levelled the scores at 21-21 through a try to replacement hooker Nic Souchon which set up the grandstand finish.
Southland face Auckland at Eden Park on Sunday while Manawatu host Otago, also on Sunday.
Manawatu 26 (Kyle Brown, Jordi Viljoen, Malakai Hala-Ngatai, Pena Va’a, tries; Reece McDonald 3 con), Southland 21 (Viliami Fine, Michael Manson, Nic Souchon tries; Byron Smith 3 con). HT: 0-7