A game too far for the Mooloo men

The proud result remains a solitary inscription in the Waikato rugby records.

A shade over 12 years ago, captain-now-coach John Mitchell raised the NPC trophy after his side demolished Otago 40-5.

It was a game remembered more for the Richard Loe eye-gouging drama rather than the conclusion to an epic season.

Waikato, a side chockful of quality players like Duane Monkley, Matthew Cooper, Ian Foster, Steve Gordon, Brent Anderson, Graham Purvis and Warren Gatland, had only qualified fourth that season but took out the title.

They tipped over top qualifier Auckland in the semifinal before clouting Otago.

There was natural optimism throughout the Waikato about a repeat scenario starting last night at the Cake Tin. Provincial belief drives the NPC but there would also have been considerable dread about the contest with Wellington.

They had only faltered once in their run to the playoffs, they were at home, they had the best defensive record, they had tuned up the Waikato pack in the round-robin game while Waikato had become the Elastoplast XV.

They were patched up again and played with their regular passionate grit but it was a match too far.

Deacon Manu, David Briggs, Scott Linklater and Jono Gibbes defended mightily, Marty Holah worked the ground, Sean Hohneck the air while Stephen Bates and Liam Messam tried to instigate some forays.

But they were pounded out of the match, crushed by the weight of Wellington possession and probably by the cruel demands of an injury toll which forced Waikato to use 40 players this year.

Rhys Duggan is still a feisty halfback but he is third choice, Isaac Boss made a fine job playing fullback but he is a specialist halfback.

While Waikato did not make it past the playoffs, they could look at teams in their wake like Auckland, North Harbour and Otago and smile.

After all their troubles this season, Waikato overachieved. It may be difficult for them to accept that today as they read and listen to the Wellington media.

But coaches Mitchell and Monkley know something about trench warfare. They understand how much their players have given and that will be the strongest message for those who wore Mooloo colours this season.


NPC fixtures, results and standings
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