Rugby: Taniwha humiliated at home but qualifies for semis

Northland skipper Matt Moulds on the charge against Waikato at Okara Park. Photo/Michael Cunningham

Waikato kept piling tries but Northland pushed hard to secure a points point for a semi final berth and secured one despite going down 71-28 at Okara Park in Whangārei this afternoon.

The Mooloos ran rampant and scored 10 tries, with Sevu Reece, Bailyn Sullivan, Quinn Tupaea scoring a brace to just about book a home semi final.

Sullivan scored within the first minute off a superb play by fullback Matty Lansdown before Rene Ranger hit back for the Taniwha in the only try in the first half for the home side.

Sullivan nailed his second try, again off a Lansdown last pass, before a long pass sent Reece for the first of his double.

Waikato No 10 Fletcher Smith showed some classy touches, using his left (supposedly weaker) boot to good effect on one occasion and finishing smartly for his try.

Northland did not throw in the towel and pushed hard to secure the tryscoring bonus point for a semifinals spot.

Tries by Roberts-Tenana, a long-range Sam Nock score and another by Aorangi Stokes from a quick tap brought some respectability to the score.

All in all, 15 tries were scored on a pleasant afternoon in Whangārei.