Aumua hat-trick tames Taniwha

Wellington: 29 (Asafo Aumua 3, Hoani Matenga tries; Jackson Garden-Bachop 3 con, 1 pen) Northland: 21 (Solomon Alaimalo, Matt Matich, Shane Neville tries; Peter Breen 3 con)

In his first Men's NPC start for Wellington, hooker Asafo Aumua scored a hat-trick as the Lions consigned Northland to their 19th consecutive defeat in the competiton.

Less than a year out of St. Patrick's College, Silverstream, Aumua confirmed his considerable promise with a dynamic and polished performance.

Wellington raced to a 17-0 lead in as many minutes. The Lions struck in the third minute holding the ball for 16 phases. Strong thrusts by Wes Goosen and Chris Baumann dispatched Northland into retreat and quick hands down the narrow channel saw Hoani Matenga finish.
Jackson Garden-Bachop added a penalty in the eighth minute, before Aumua's scoring blitz commenced.

Northland conceded four penalties in succession and in the 14th minute Aumua mauled over for his maiden Wellington try.

In the 46th minute Mark Reddish appeared to lose the ball forward. Northland hesitated while Sam Lousi collected the scraps and cantered into a hole. Lousi was grounded just short off the line, but the ball was recycled swiftly and Aumua touched down on the wing.

Aumua's third try in the 52nd minute was almost identical. This time Brad Shields fumbled backwards and Joe Hill recovered, ferreting into space and locating the unmarked rookie.

Wellington enjoyed 72% possession and 64% territory in the first-half, but made life difficult for themselves with carless mistakes. Northland was dangerous from broken play and young halfback Sam Nock was a livewire. In the 24th minute the hosts opened their account when Nock tapped quickly from halfway and scurried into vacant pasture. Nock linked with flying winger Solomon Alaimalo who completed the break.

Down 17-7, Northland lost Kara Pryor to the sin-bin in the 42nd minute for a swinging arm on Shaun Treeby. Pryor atoned for his indiscretion in the 59th minute by creating a try for Matt Matich.

Shane Neville had the last say in a match that lost structure and became decidedly messy.

The Lions Who Roared

Aumua with similar performances could usurp Leni Apasi as the preferred starter. The latter is out for at least three weeks with concussion. Reddish, Matenga, Garden-Bachop, Wes Goosen and Matt Procter have been dependable performers this season and didn't disappoint again.

By the Numbers

Aumua is the first hooker from Wellington and just the fourth in Division I history after Hika Reid, Jesse Ranui and Francis Smith to score a hat-trick in an NPC match.

Aumua joined Brian McGrattan ( v North Auckland, 1984) and Jeremy Thrush (v Southland, 2015) as the only Wellington tight forward to score a hat-trick in an NPC match. Of note, Billy Cavubati, the world's heaviest international player, scored a hat-trick in a non-NPC fixture for Wellington against Rosario in 1995.

Brad Shields celebrated his 50th match for Wellington.

Northland's last victory was on October 3, 2014 against North Harbour (58-27). Northland's record for most consecutive Division I defeats is 30.

Where to next

Northland host current Ranfurly Shield holders Waikato on October 2. The Taniwha will take heart from their strong finish. Wellington should extend their winning streak against Southland at the Westpac Stadium on September 30.

The Teams

Wellington - 15-1: Jason Woodward, Joe Hill, Matt Proctor, Shaun Treeby, Wes Goosen, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Hoani Matenga, Greg Foe, Brad Shields, Sam Lousi, Mark Reddish, Chris Baumann, Asafo Aumua, Reggie Goodes. Reserves: Valentine Meachen, Ha'amea Ahio, Finbarr Kerr-Newell, James Blackwell, Galu Taufale, Sheridan Rangihuna, Pakai Turia, Malo Tuitama.

Northland - 15-1:  Guy Wood, Solomon Alaimalo, Tamati Tua, Dan Hawkins, Jone Macilai, Peter Breen, Sam Nock, Kara Pryor, Jack Ram, Tom Robinson, Shane Neville, Josh Goodhue, Phil Kite, Ross Wright, Namatahi Waa. Reserves: Nick Werahiko, Howard Sililoto, Matt Talaese, Michael Faleafa, Matt Matich, Malcolm MacLeod, Jordan Hyland, Waisea Lawebuka.