NPC Rugby: Wellington back on track with win over Waikato
Photo:
Blake Armstrong/ActionPress
Wellington's lungs will be bursting after their 35-24 bonus point win over Waikato in Hamilton on Saturday. The defending champions were coming off a disappointing first round loss to Canterbury, and seemingly decided to run it from everywhere in order to make up for it.
Viewers could've been forgiven for thinking they'd stepped into a time machine after watching a first half that featured not only a powerful try by Julian Savea, but also Aaron Cruden finishing off a sweeping move.
Both former All Blacks are showing no signs of slowing down, with Savea set to play yet another season of Super Rugby Pacific next year.
Cruden's effort was sparked by a stunning break from Oli Mathis, with the wing/flanker hybrid showing off his outstanding pace a couple of times in the first half.
However, it wasn't enough to stop Wellington racing to a 21-5 lead at the break, thanks to Savea's effort and tries to PJ Sheck and Jackson Garden-Bachop.
Waikato staged a decent comeback at the start of the second, with tries to Xavier Saifoloi and Xavier Roe in his 50th NPC match.
However, that was as good as it got for the home side, as Tjay Clarke and Akira Ieremia quickly restored the advantage with excellent finishes.
The game suddenly turned into a track meet as it passed the hour mark, with several passages going back and forth between both 22s and the ball changing hands endlessly.
Waikato replacement hooker Pita Anae-Ah Sue finally managed to take advantage of the questionable attitudes on defence when he busted through to score in the 71st minute.
That was enough for Wellington to shut the game down, with Peter Lakai playing the full 80 minutes before he heads off to join the All Blacks in Argentina.
Mathis showed that he'll likely be heading the same way sometime in the future, while Garden-Bachop's flawless goal kicking a key factor in the result.
Wellington head home to face Otago next weekend, while Waikato host winless Counties-Manukau.
In the afternoon's other game, Taranaki accounted for North Harbour 46-24 in Albany.
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