Who said scrums are boring?
Pirates set the foundation for its win against Kaikorai with a powerful performance up front.
None were better than Highlanders prop Bronson Murray.
He was almost single-handedly responsible for the Kaikorai pack back-pedalling at just about every scrum.
Murray even got on the scoreboard. He was on hand to dive over after first five-eighth Craig Sneddon sliced through a gap only to be stopped a few metres short.
Pirates No 8 Solomon T-Pole made some damaging runs and fullback Kieran Fowler's goal kicking was flawless. He converted both tries and landed two important second-half penalties.
Kaikorai opened the scoring after 15 minutes, somewhat against the run of play. A poor pass from Sneddon saw Kaikorai sweep on to attack, and Cam Rutherford finished off the long-range move with a nice jigging run to the line.
Pirates answered through loosehead prop Daniel Johnson, who crashed over, and Murray's try gave Pirates a 14-7 lead.
Rutherford cut the lead to four points with a penalty just before halftime.
The sides traded two penalties apiece in the second spell.
Rutherford matched Fowler's effort with the boot, landing three penalties and a conversion from four kicks at goal.
Kaikorai threatened to steal the win when a huge clearance from Matt Te Tana saw the visitor swing on to attack with five minutes to go. Pirates kept the ball tight and inched the ball up field to deny Kaikorai.
Pirates 20 (Daniel Johnson, Bronson Murray tries; Kieran Fowler 2 con, 2 pen), Kaikorai 16 (Cam Rutherford try; Rutherford con, 3 pen). Halftime Pirates 14-10.
