[ad_1]
The Alama Ieremia Aucklanders did it the hard way, but they held their own when it was important against a brave team from Waikato to win their second Miter 10 Cup Premiership final in the past three years.
The Aucklanders never found the fluidity and pacing that is a hallmark of their game in their prime, but they held their own against a concerted challenge from Mooloo and made a couple of big defensive plays in the final minutes to seal a 23-after semi-final -18 distressing. victory at Eden Park.
A two-shot blast early in the second half by midfielders Tanielu Tele’a and Tumua Manu put the Aucklanders’ noses in front, after they had lost 15-11 at halftime, and from there they were down to two greats. Decomposition plays close the deal.
Phil Walter / Getty Images
Salesi Rayasi makes a break for Auckland in their Premiership semi-final against Waikato on Saturday at Eden Park.
Flanker Adrian Choat and replacement blocking Jack Whetton won huge relief penalties in the final three minutes to thwart Waikato in their pursuit of a late, game-winning try, and Whetton in death, on the back of a breakout. Quinn Tupaea’s, was especially vital as the Mooloos swarmed for the late attack.
READ MORE:
* Miter Cup 10: Auckland receives reinforcements for the semifinal against the dangerous Waikato
* Teen winger Chay Fihaki throws a monster penalty to save Canterbury from relegation
* Miter Cup 10: Salesi Rayasi’s hat-trick takes Auckland to first place in the Premiership
Auckland will host the winner of the Tasman-Bay of Plenty semi-final in Nelson in the final next Saturday, and the union will announce that entry will be free to the championship game, as it was in 2018 when they defeated Canterbury in a thrilling final that left overtime.
Auckland got a great performance from his scrum, while Choat was excellent in the park and Whetton made a big impact from the bench late. Tele’a, Manu and Jonathan Ruru were chosen by the local backs, while Salesi Rayasi also looked dangerous, as he increased his number of leading attempts in the competition to 14.
Waikato’s effort was forceful and committed, and they fought well, led by veterans Adam Thomson and Liam Mssam up front, and a strong performance from Tupaea in midfield. But they just couldn’t make the plays that mattered in the final stages.
Auckland were left with a lot to do after an unconvincing first 40 lost them 15-11 at halftime, with a game in dire need of fixing.
The home team combined some aimless kicks, poor handling and unconvincing defensive effort to gift the visitors a number of first-half opportunities that they were delighted to take advantage of. Not even a great show from the Auckland scrum was enough to shake up the busy Mooloos.
Waikato struck first when a lucky deflection from Matty Lansdown’s punt fell into the hands of Fletcher Smith and with some help from Tupaea and Hamilton Burr, and a rather ineffective Auckland tackle, hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho was in the right corner for the 5-0 lead. .
Veteran winger Thomson doubled the number of visitors ‘attempts in the 14th minute as local prop Jarrad Adams’ dropped ball in midfield quickly turned into a run to the line and an acrobatic shot for the 38-year-old underdog and a 12 -6 lead goal.
Auckland conjured a try just past the first quarter mark when a good break from Tele’a earned a useful penalty and the lineout option became Rayasi’s 14th try of the season, courtesy of a graceful volley from running back Jonathan Ruru. .
Phil Walter / Getty Images
Quinn Tupaea leads hard for Waikato in their 10 Miter Cup Premiership semi-final at Eden Park on Saturday.
Undoubtedly, Auckland coach Ieremia reminded his team of the need for ball retention and patience at half-time, and that soon became apparent as the hosts took the lead, 23-15, with a couple of attempts at the break. first dozen minutes.
Tele’a had the first, just a couple of minutes after the restart, when he jumped after his team had worked seven phases with the necessary patience and Harry Plummer threw the pass to put his number 12 in space.
And his colleague, midfielder Manu, made it 23-15 eight minutes later when he ran away to finish a brilliant escape marked by a wide pass from Plummer and excellent work from Rayasi, Zarn Sullivan and Ruru down the left touchline. .
Beaudein Waaka put Waikato close with his second penalty midway through the half, but from there the visitors simply couldn’t muster the precision they needed to steal the score.
Next Saturday’s final will be Auckland’s fourth since the competition returned to this format in 2006, and they will be seeking their third title in that span.
Auckland 23 (Salesi Rayasi, Daniel Tele’a, Tumua Manu tries; Harry Plummer pen, with; Zarn Sullivan pen), Waikato 18 (Samisoni Taukei’aho, Adam Thomson tries; Beaudein Waaka 2 pens, scam). Height: 11-15.
