Rugby: Red card for reckless tackle overshadows Auckland Miter 10 Cup win over Otago

Auckland has announced its intentions earlier in the Miter Cup 10 season, dispatching Otago 38-6 in their first game of the season at Dunedin.

But as the Auckland side went through an offensive clinic, it was overshadowed late by poor discipline from Otago, highlighted by the sending off of Sio Tomkinson at the last minute.

Otago had already spent time in the second half with two men in the trash for repeated infractions deep in his own turf, before Tomkinson, who has developed a reputation for reckless defense, was sent into an early shower for a reckless charge. on the shoulder he connected with Auckland’s reserve chief, five-eighths, Simon Hickey, who was lying face down on the ground for a few moments before he could get to his feet.

Otago gave away 20 penalties during the match, inviting the Auckland team to attack by giving them field position again and again. The visitors obeyed, finding gaps throughout Otago’s defensive line, with loose forwards Akira Ioane and Hoskins Sotutu and defender Jordan Trainor having significant success.

But while Otago was coughing up territory, Auckland coughed with the same possession. Despite causing problems for Otago’s defense throughout the match, Auckland still turned the ball over 10 times, inviting pressure to be put on themselves.

Otago had his chances throughout the game, although most came within the first 40 minutes. Otago went up 3-0, before Auckland took the lead with a Leni Apisai try from the back of a lineout.

It was the first of two attempts by the hooker, while Rieko Ioane and AJ Lam also crossed the line, with a penalty try also awarded to Auckland.

While they have many areas to work on, it was a good start for the 2018 champions as they turn their attention to an injured Wellington team next week.

Wellington was upset by an unbridled Waikato outfit on Saturday. With 33 points from fullback Damian McKenzie, Waikato posted a 53-28 victory at Hamilton.
McKenzie scored a try and kicked six penalties and five conversions to record one of the largest individual point totals seen in the competition.

Waikato outpointed Wellington five attempts to four, but it was McKenzie’s boot, and Wellington’s poor discipline, that showed the difference.

Waikato had similar success in the Farah Palmer Cup, beating Taranaki 76-14. Second-fifth Chelsea Alley, winger Cheyelle Robins-Reti and hooker Grace Houpapa-Barrett scored two of the team’s 12 attempts, and Taranaki could only muster two of his own.

In today’s other Farah Palmer Cup matches, Canterbury beat Manawatu 36-10 and Wellington beat Tasman 62-0.

Auckland 38 (Leni Apisai 2, penalty attempt, Rieko Ioane, AJ Lam attempts; Harry Plummer 4 cons, pen) Otago 6 (Josh Ioane 2 pens). HT: 24-6.

Waikato 53 (Xavier Roe, Fletcher Smith, Adam Thomson, Damian McKenzie, Luke Jacobson tries; McKenzie 5 scam, 6 pens) Wellington 28 (Julian Savea, Vaea Fifita, Connor Garden-Bachop, Ardie Savea tries; Jackson Garden-Bachop 4 with). HT: 23-21.