Southland 7
Waikato 6
Southland tackled themselves to a standstill in grinding out a win over Waikato in their national provincial championship rugby match in Hamilton last night.
All the scoring came in the opening 30 minutes, and although Waikato lifted in intensity and execution after an error-ridden first 40 minutes, Southland's defence proved unbreachable as they secured their first ever win in Hamilton.
It was the Ranfurly Shield holders' seventh win from eight games this season, and once again their defence proved pivotal as sixth-placed Waikato were kept scoreless for the entire second half.
Former All Black Stephen Donald had the winning of the game as the hooter sounded, but his dropped goal from 30 metres out hooked to the left.
First blood went to Waikato in the fourth minute, Trent Renata sinking a regulation penalty from out in front after the home team had dominated possession and territory early on.
Southland centre Kendrick Lynn continued some impressive recent form, backing up two tries against North Harbour last week with a well-taken effort in the 11th minute.
After a strong midfield break, Lynn got on the outside of Waikato second-five Christian Lealiifano and showed too much pace for the cover defence.
Robbie Robinson added the extras for a 7-3 lead which stood until 10 minutes from the final whistle, when Renata added another penalty.
Waikato's frustrations grew as the game progressed, as they secured a ready supply of ball and good field position but couldn't translate that to points on the board.
They looked solid in the set pieces, although Southland managed to disrupt their lineout on occasion, but conceded too many turnovers in the first half to really pressure the visitors.
Waikato suffered a blow five minutes out from the break when winger Dwayne Sweeney was forced from the field with a rib injury, replaced by Henry Speight.
But although Waikato ratcheted up the pressure as the first half drew to a close, Southland went into the break with a 7-6 lead.
Ten minutes into the second spell, Waikato coach Chris Gibbes benched Renata and Donald took the field for the first time in four months since a chest injury curtailed his season.
Waikato finally found some continuity, battering the Southland line only to be denied by some outstanding defence exemplified by hooker Jason Rutledge, who pulled off a try-saving tackle to deny All Blacks strongman Aled de Malmanche.
Waikato rectified their lineout problems, scrummaged well and finally managed to achieve continuity, but Southland's defence proved impenetrable.
The second half was scoreless.
- NZPA
