Beaver Breaks Lions

Above: Asafo Aumua came off the bench and scored his fifth try of the season, but it was Waikato's super-sub Stephen Donald who won the match tonight at Westpac Stadium. 

Waikato: 28 (Adam Burn, Jordan Manihera, Sevu Reece, Stephen Donald tries; Damian McKenzie 4 con) Wellington: 24(Vaea Fifita, Hoani Matenga, Reg Goodes, Asafo Aumua tries; Jackson Garden-Bachop 1 con)

 WHAT HAPPENED

Waikato did an Italian Job on Wellington to consign the Lions to a third consecutive defeat.

Down 24-14 with eight minutes to play a brilliant cross-kick by All Black Damian McKenzie put wing Sevu Reece in for a try to reduce the deficit to five points. McKenzie slotted the sideline conversion to make it 24-21.

Stephen Donald then turned back the clock. In the 76th minute the Beaver was the man of the hour when he rushed away gleefully for the winning try, supporting  a breakout by the Waikato forwards which saw the ball transferred between all three tight forwards and searing pace exhibited by reserve flanker Mitchell Jacobson.

Earlier Wellington enjoyed a wealth of possession and established a 17-7 lead after 30 minutes.

Wellington held the ball for seven phases or more seven times as Vaea Fifita, Hoani Matenga and Reg Goodes all muscled over the chalk.McKenzie committed four turnovers but was a constant threat with his courage and cheek. A deft pass to Jordan Manihera reduced the gap to three points at the interval.

The first twenty minutes of the second-half was scoreless. Wellington lost Tomasi Palu to the sin bin, but Asafo Aumua struck while the hosts were undermanned battling over from close range after a lineout drive and bustle from Galu Taufale.Wellington's kicking game lacked direction and their handling deserted them for large passages of the second-half. Waikato lock Brian Alainu'uese had a storming game and Whetu Douglas is a fine leader.

THE LIONS WHO ROARED

Sam Lousi and Mark Reddish were productive with ball in hand  and secure in the lineouts. Wellington won 14 of their 15 lineouts. Hoani Matenga showed the value of his experience and Salesi Rayasi had a sound debut. Aumua and Taufale added hustle from the bench. 

BY THE NUMBERS

Joe Hill played his 50th NPC match. This includes his appearances for Otago.Asafo Aumua has scored five tries this season making him Wellington's leading try scorer, despite only starting one match.Six  of the eight tries in the game were scored by front rowers. Of the 478 tries scored in the 2016 NPC, 78 have been by forwards.Waikato achieved their 32nd win over Wellington who lost three games in a row for the first time since 2014. 

WHERE TO NEXT

Waikato are sweating on the outcome of the Tasman v Southland match tomorrow afternoon. If the Stags can pull off an upset the Mooloos will make the premiership semi-finals. Wellington will host either Bay of Plenty or North Harbour in a championship semi-final.

THE TEAMS

Wellington: (15-1): Peter Umaga-Jensen, Joe Hill, Wes Goosen, Shaun Treeby, Salesi Rayasi, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Tomasi Palu, Hoani Matenga, Brad Shields (c), Vaea Fifita, Sam Lousi, Mark Reddish, Chris Baumann, Leni Apisai, Reggie Goodes. Reserves: Asafo Aumua, Vince Sakaria, Alex Fidow, Galu Taufale, Greg Foe, Sheridan Rangihuna, Pakai Turia, Mike Lealava'a

Waikato: (15-1): Jordan Trainor, Iliesa Ratuva Tavuyara, Willis Halaholo, Sam Christie, Sevu Reece, Damian McKenzie, Pele Cowley; Whetu Douglas (c), Adam Burn, Jordan Manihera, Brian Alainu'uese, Jacob Skeen, Atu Moli, Hame Faiva, Tau Koloamatangi. Reserves: Steven Misa, Sefo Kautai, Latu Talakai, Leva Fifita, Mitch Jacobson, Isaac Boss, Stephen Donald, Tevita Taufui.