Rugby: Auckland defeated Waikato to advance to the Miter 10 Cup Premiership final

Auckland has secured its ticket to the Miter 10 Cup Premiership final, defeating Waikato 23-18 at Eden Park.

In a first versus fourth battle, the highest ranked side took the victory, but did so in a rather shaky fashion.

The scoring started in the most unusual way. Auckland was pressuring the Waikato and forced the visitors to kick for territory. However, the punt was partially charged and fell into the hands of Fletcher Smith of the Waikato top five, about 20 meters ahead of the kicker. Because he had been touched, everyone was by his side, and Waikato had the numbers to spread it widely. Finally, the prostitute Samisoni Taukei’aho crossed the corner.

Despite being back early, Auckland was having the best of the first play. With a place in the final on the line, they looked to rack up the points when they were on sale, kicking back-to-back penalty goals to take a small lead.

However, it wasn’t long before Waikato regained the lead, swinging the ball through his hands and freeing wing Adam Thomson into space, who scooted away to score from about 22 yards.

Both teams missed opportunities to add to the scoring line from the tee, spraying very kickable penalty attempts, but an attempt by Salesi Rayasi saw Auckland close the gap to four points at halftime.

Auckland was quick to return to the lead after the break, with Tanielu Tele’a’s second cross in five-eighths just after the restart, before his midfield teammate Tumua Manu followed less than 10 minutes. after.

Waikato had their chances in the second half and put a lot of pressure on Auckland, but could only add a solitary penalty in the second half.

Auckland’s defense remained strong and made some significant and vital losses deep within their own territory in the final 15 minutes, none more important than Jack Whetton’s in the 80th minute, which allowed the hosts to kick the ball into touch. and close a nervous victory.

Auckland 23 (Salesi Rayasi, Daniel Tele’a, Tumua Manu tries; Harry Plummer pen, scam, Zarn Sullivan pen)
Waikato 18 (Samisoni Taukei’aho, Adam Thomson tries; Beaudien Waaka scam, 2 pens)
HT: 11-15