Rugby sevens: Auckland scrape into semifinals

Auckland has scraped into the semifinals of the Bayleys National Sevens, part of The New Zealand Herald Summer of Sevens, in Rotorua.

The favourites beat Manawatu 19-14 in extra time in a tense quarterfinal and will play neighbours Northland in the last four after the latter whitewashed Canterbury 26-0.

Timoci Seruwalu scored first for Manawatu but when the blockbusting Fijian was sinbinned three minutes later Auckland captain Tutu Tairea equalled the scores.

In the second half Auckland veteran Orene Ai'i darted over near the posts, however with time up Manawatu speedster George Tilsley scored in the corner and Karl Bryson calmly slotted the sideline conversion to force extra time.

Exciting young halfback Varasiko Duisokosoko broke clear and outpaced the Manawatu defence for the winner.

Earlier, the Auckland women beat Taranaki 22-7 with Lara Diamond-Brahne scoring two tries. Auckland will play Waikato, who comfortably beat BOP 29-5, in the second Cup semifinal.

Selica Winiata starred as Manawatu edged Otago 10-7 and take on Counties-Manukau on the other side of the draw.

Renee Wickliffe stood out for the South Aucklanders in their 24-5 win over Wellington.