Holwell takes 34 points as Wellington backs run riot

By CHRIS RATTUE

WELLINGTON 74 BAY OF PLENTY 20

Auckland and Wellington have been thrown into a cut-throat battle to secure a place in the NPC semifinals.

The two old foes - who had classy wins at the weekend - clash in the capital on Friday night, without having the benefit of knowing how Otago have fared in their Ranfurly Shield challenge against Canterbury.

Waikato and Canterbury are assured of semifinal places, but the other big three of New Zealand rugby are battling for the last two spots going into the final round.

Otago might have a slight advantage in that they will know exactly what they require at Jade Stadium on Saturday night, and might even be safe by then.

At the other end of the table, Bay of Plenty, Southland and Northland are all candidates for the promotion-relegation game.

Bay of Plenty could have saved their first division skin against Wellington yesterday, and even a bonus point would have been handy.

But after a promising beginning, they were annihilated as Wellington's classy backs and their loose forwards ran riot at the Tauranga Domain.

Assuming that Bay of Plenty are heavily defeated by Waikato in the final round, Southland can assure themselves of first division survival by beating Northland at Invercargill. Even a one-bonus-point defeat will probably do the trick for them.

Unless Bay of Plenty gain two bonus points in defeat, Northland would ensure their survival by beating Southland even without a four-try bonus point. The form book and Southland's home advantage suggests Northland will remain at the foot of the table.

First five-eighths David Holwell broke Wellington's points-scoring record of 31 set in 1971 by Graham Wallis against Wairarapa Bush.

Holwell hauled in 34 points as Bay of Plenty's defence melted against the pace and timing of Paul Steinmetz, Tana Umaga, Brad Fleming and Christian Cullen.

Loose forwards Thomas Waldrom and Rodney So'oialo were also prominent in the scoring bursts as the Wellington side made hay in the Tauranga sunshine.