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Northland snapped a four-game losing streak to march into the semi-finals of the 10 Miter Cup championship in winning form after staggering contenders to Prime Minister Waikato in Kaikohe on Saturday.
Amid all the uncertainty in the premiership, with places to the semi-finals and a potential relegation battle to be decided, Waikato and Northland were confident of playing past the final round because their respective top-four results were already guaranteed. .
The Taniwha were simply more clinical and enthusiastic than a sloppy Waikato team, winning 28-17 to climb to third place in the standings, and can comfortably await Sunday’s results to find out whether they will travel to Hawke’s Bay or Otago in the semifinals next Weekend.
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Scott Gregory came off the bench to score Northland’s deciding try against Waikato in the second half.
The discussed changes to the provincial national championship mean Northland is chasing a championship title that may not guarantee promotion, while Waikato is seeking its first top-tier title since 2006 when they contest the first division semifinals, but Taniwha will be more confident. in claiming the silver medal. following their bonus point win against the Mooloos.
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Waikato’s first top-four result in the Premier since 2011 looks unconvincing after three straight losses leading up to the final, but the Mooloos will take some comfort in finally returning to the semi-finals.
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Waikato winger Gideon Wrampling tries to fend off Northland running back Sam Nock.
However, the form of their defeat in a crossover clash played in the fierce heat in the far north was poor. It costs them a semifinal at home because they can only finish third or fourth.
Their hopes were dashed when Quinn Tupaea was sinned in the fourth quarter for a late inning and the Mooloos deservedly failed to score a point in the second half against Northland’s determined defense.
Waikato wanted to risk his arm from deep down and as entertaining as some of his attacks were, too many outlandish volleys went to the ground in the first half, excellent line jumps weren’t rewarded and Northland grew in confidence when it seemed like they were going. to fly out of the park. sometimes.
The Taniwha looked dangerous once they found their rhythm in the attack and their pack, inspired by forwards Kara Pryor and Tom Robinson, was a threat Waikato couldn’t shake off.
Veteran Rene Ranger was a threat along with fellow midfielder Tamati Tua and Waikato struggled after the break, his all or nothing approach seemed to take a toll in the heat, and Northland’s Sam Nock took more control in midfield with his energy and speed.
Northland captain Jordan Olsen delighted the home crowd with his fabulous try from Johnny Cooper’s cross kick, giving the hosts the lead early in the second half, and Scott Gregory’s spike, with just his second touch. from the bench, he stretched his lead later.
Knowing that their spot in the semi-final was assured after the Counties Manukau beat Southland 25-17 on Friday night, the Taniwha were excruciatingly slow on the blocks, but improved and used their luck after the Mooloos squandered opportunities to jump. to a significant early lead.
Waikato caught Northland napping down the left flank with a quick lineout and captain Luke Jacobson scored under the posts in the second minute, setting the tone for their dominant start, but the hosts bounced back from their first attack.
Nock danced past Bailyn Sullivan to finish off a sweeping attack that rocked local fans on the grass benches.
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Valynce Te Whare scored a breakaway try for Waikato in the first half.
Those dozing in the afternoon sun leapt to their feet as the Luatangi Li pillar fell over the line due to an unstoppable rolling maul that rumbled forward more than 20 meters.
However, the locals were silenced after Hamilton Burr’s heavy interception and volley released Valynce Te Whare for a breakaway attempt that ensured Waikato led at halftime.
However, Northland’s devastating second half crushed Waikato, and Taniwha lunged for a beautiful victory.
TAKE A LOOK:
Northland 28 (Sam Nock, Luatangi Li, Jordan Olsen, Scott Gregory tries; Dan Hawkins, Johnny Cooper 3 with) Waikato 17 (Luke Jacobson, Valynce The House tries; Beaudein Waaka 2 with, pen). HT: 14-17.
MVP Points: Sam Nock, Tom Robinson, Tamati Tua.
