Ex All Blacks star inspires Wellington to NPC title in dramatic extra-time final
Julian Savea was on hand to guide Wellington to a dramatic NPC title against Bay of Plenty.
Wellington Lions clinched the 2024 NPC title with a dramatic 23-20 extra-time win over Bay of Plenty at Sky Stadium.
Ex-All Black icon Julian Savea was the heartbeat of his side, as the back notched two of Wellington’s three tries in the final, with Losi Filipo grabbing the other on the way to their dramatic victory in the capital.
Julian Savea inspires Wellington to NPC title
The 54-capper got things off to a great start for the Lions, as he crossed after just four minutes. After a powerful carry from former England international Brad Shields, the ball found its way into Savea’s hands just metres from the line, and in typical fashion, he bashed his way through the hapless defenders to score.
Bay of Plenty hit back quickly, though. New Zealand Sevens star Leroy Carter thought he’d got his name on the scoresheet, but his effort was struck off for a knock-on. Minutes later, they did eventually get over the whitewash as former All Blacks prop Aidan Ross reached over to ground the ball on the line.
The Lions regained the lead through Jackson Garden-Bachop as he slotted an easy three-pointer, and it wasn’t long before the ever-powerful Savea was up to his old tricks.
Clever hands through Wellington’s right edge once again found Savea with ball-in-hand on the 22, and he brushed past the covering defenders to score his second of the game, giving Wellington a 15-7 advantage at the break.
Bay of Plenty weren’t done here, though, and they mounted a superb fightback in the early stages of the second-half. Kaleb Trask’s two penalties just after the restart pulled them back to within two points, and quickly after that they got their noses in front with a try.
After some powerful pick-and-goes, All Blacks winger Emoni Narawa snuck through the masses to cross from short range, giving his side a 20-15 lead heading into the final quarter.
With time running out a clever line saw Samoan international Losi Filipo cross for the Lions, sending the game into extra-time.
Fresh onto the pitch, replacement Cullum Harkin slotted another three-pointer to put Wellington ahead, and they held on to claim the 2024 NPC title, extending Bay of Plenty’s 48-year title drought in the process.