Rampant Wellington demolish Southland

A rampant Wellington demolished Southland 53-12 scoring seven tries in their NPC first division rugby match tonight.

The crowd at Westpac Stadium were treated to some stunning free-flowing rugby from the hosts who signalled their intentions from the outset as they ran at will.

Big wing Roy Kinikinilau profited from Wellington's policy of spreading the ball wide landing a hat-trick while fullback Shannon Paku bagged a double.

Wellington persistently attacked Southland's left flank, and as the visitors started dropping off their first-up tackles, the Wellington backline flourished with spectacular effect charging out to a 39-0 halftime lead.

The rout slowed after the break with Kinikinilau gaining his third try in the 48th minute but Wellington, after an indifferent start to the season, confirmed their pre-season favourites tag with a sublime performance.

Besides Kinikinilau and Paku, the mid-field pairing of skipper Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith tormented the Southland defence with a combination of big-stepping and deft passing.

Three of Wellington's first half tries saw the ball pass through numerous hands in a great display of handling as the hosts launched sweeping movements throughout the half

Wellington were oozing confidence and Nonu typified the bravado in the 52nd minute.

His cross-field kick was caught by a leaping Lome Fa'atau who broke a tackle then fed the ever-present Smith who had a fine match.

Southland were left in Wellington's wake as the pack, led by No.8 Thomas Waldrom and hooker Mahroni Schwalger, punched through the Southland forwards to give their backline ample space and time.

Waldrom continued his strong NPC with Wellington's first try in the seventh minute after first five-eighth Jimmy Gopperth ran to the line, flicked a pass to Waldrom who stepped the fullback and crashed over near the posts.

It soon signalled the points avalanche to follow.

National sevens representative Kinikinilau scored shortly afterwards with Southland dropping off further tackles as he broke through after an in-pass from Gopperth.

Paku joined in the act in the 19th and 37th minutes with Kinikinilau, who rampaged down the left wing, scored his second in the 28th.

With Gopperth kicking well in swirly conditions, Wellington went to the sheds after arguably their best 40 minutes of rugby to date this season.

Kinikinilau galloped away shortly after the break as it looked Southland, who entered the match following spirited wins over Otago and Taranaki, were facing an absolute hiding.

Smith raised 50 points soon after for Wellington, but Southland solidified and replied with a try to replacement Matt Harrison.

They reached double figures when referee Paul Honiss awarded a penalty to Southland when he ruled Smith held back Watisone Lotawa who was chasing a kick.


- NZPA