Waikato pip Wellington for semi-final spot

Editor

Waikato claimed a bonus point win 24-14 over Wellington at Westpac Stadium to make it into the Premiership semi-finals.

Waikato's Adam Burn drew first blood when the flanker dotted down for a five pointer after ten minutes of play. But Wellington struck back quickly with a try from open side Vaea Fifita. Reg Goodes and Hoani Matenga then also powered over to give Wellington a tight 17-14 advantage at half time. 

Both sides decided to spread the ball a bit more in the second half with Damian McKenzie sending loose forward Jordan Manihera over. Wellington replied with a try from Asafo Aumua who scored to give the Lions the advantage.

The last 10 minutes proved to be an intense affair as Waikato worked out the secret to break the Wellington defence and speedster and winger Sevu Reece went over. 

The scorers:

For Wellington:
Tries: Fifita, Matenga, Goodes, Aumua
Cons: Garden-Bachop

For Waikato:
Try: Burn, Manihera, Reece, Donald
Con: McKenzie 4

Wellington: 15 Peter Umaga-Jensen, 14 Joe Hill, 13 Wes Goosen, 12 Shaun Treeby, 11 Salesi Rayasi, 10 Jackson Garden-Bachop, 9 Tomasi Palu, 8 Hoani Matenga, 7 Brad Shields (c), 6 Vaea Fifita, 5 Sam Lousi, 4 Mark Reddish, 3 Chris Baumann, 2 Leni Apisai, 1 Reggie Goodes
Replacements: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 Vince Sakaria, 18 Alex Fidow, 19 Galu Taufale, 20 Greg Foe, 21 Sheridan Rangihuna, 22 Pakai Turia, 23 Mike Lealava'a

Waikato: 15 Jordan Trainor, 14 Iliesa Ratuva Tavuyara, 13 Willis Halaholo, 12 Sam Christie, 11 Sevu Reece, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Pele Cowley, 8 Whetu Douglas (c), 7 Adam Burn, 6 Jordan Manihera, 5 Brian Alainu’uese, 4 Jacob Skeen, 3 Atu Moli, 2 Hame Faiva, 1 Tau Koloamatangi
Replacements: 16 Steven Misa, 17 Sefo Kautai, 18 Latu Talakai, 19 Leva Fifita, 20 Mitch Jacobson, 21 Isaac Boss, 22 Stephen Donald, 23 Tevita Taufui