"We went in with the same attitude we've had all year [of throwing the ball around], and I think in hindsight I would have done the same again because it's how they [the team] play and it relaxes them.
"To me it was a bloody fast game of rugby and at times it felt like a test match, with a lower intensity of course."
While some may criticise options taken throughout the game, such as turning down a shot at goal to go for a try, you have got to be in to win.
On two occasions where penalty attempts were turned down the Taniwha crossed the line, although on one occasion the ball was lost forward.
Witcombe's attitude to the critics was simple: "You're damned if you do and damned if you don't.
"We always talk about wanting to play football we put it in the corner [from a penalty] and scored a try. At the end of the day we trust the players' judgment."
Encouragingly for Northland supporters, the team said after the game they weren't finished - saying they want to back it up next season.
Witcombe said about 20 of the players were already discussing contracts for next year, something which is needed to build on the successes of this season.
"We don't feel as a group we're done yet," he said. "It's not just about one good season, if we can have two or three of those that'll put our players in the minds of Super Rugby coaches which will help the region even more.
"It's just the guys learning to play at this intensity and level, along with a bit of fine tuning. We've made quite a few big positive changes this year but we're certainly going to aim to be better.
"What's also bloody great is our players are going to get noticed now."
While Witcombe is contracted with Northland until April, discussions were underway for the former All Black to continue as coach.
