Rugby: Savea shines as Wellington down Waikato

Julian Savea of Wellington is congratulated by Apoua Stewart and Faifili Levave after scoring a try. Photo / Getty Images

Winger Julian Savea underlined his status as one of the most exciting prospects in the ITM Cup as Wellington beat Waikato 26-14 tonight.

Savea provided some of the brightest moments in a game deservedly won by the hosts, who scored three tries to one and led 16-9 at halftime.

The best was his try on the half hour mark which brought to life a game dominated by the shots at goal until that point.

The 20-year-old unleashed a stinging left-arm fend on Trent Renata and blitzed the cover defence with his pace over 40m to hand Wellington the lead for the first time, something they weren't to relinquish.

Lock Daniel Ramsay scored soon afterwards in a move set up by a half-break from Savea, the star of New Zealand's triumphant junior world championship campaign this year.

Wellington dominated the first half with their attacking, ball-in-hand attitude, with winger Hosea Gear, centre Sean Treeby and halfback Alby Mathewson others to shine.

However, ill-discipline often let them down, allowing Waikato to stay within arm's reach.

However, the visitors managed just one try, to flanker Jack Lam early in the second half, and otherwise relied on the erratic goalkicking boot of first five-eighth

Renata. He slotted three penalties in the first half.

Opposite number Fa'atonu Fili also had problems with his radar but managed to penalty and dropped goal before halftime while converting a try to hooker Dane Coles midway through the second spell.

Both sides had won two out of three matches before tonight and victory will see Wellington end the weekend among the competition top four.

Waikato have lost twice on the trot and will seek to halt the slide against high-flying neighbours Counties Manukau next week.

Wellington 26 (Julian Savea, Daniel Ramsay, Dane Coles tries; Fa'atonu Fili 2 pen, con, dropped goal) Waikato 14 (Jack Lam try; Trent Renata 3 pen). Halftime: 16-9.

- NZPA