Tasman 30 Auckland 28
Tasman have upset Auckland for the second time in three years with a 30-28 win at Trafalgar Park in Nelson tonight, denting Auckland's hopes of an appearance in the final.
Auckland had a chance to force a draw after scoring in the late stages but Gareth Anscombe missed a sideline conversion as Tasman picked up just their second win of the season.
Andrew Goodman scored 20 points for the Makos with a try, three penalties and three conversions as the home side held onto the victory after taking a 10 point lead into the final quarter.
Anscombe, who started on the bench, kicked a penalty to make it a one try game heading into the last 19 minutes and then set up the final try with a chip chased down by Hadleigh Parkes but it was all for nothing.
The two point loss leaves Auckland in fifth on the Premiership table, three points behind leaders Waikato. Auckland's final two games are against Bay of Plenty and Waikato.
Tasman remain in second to last on the Championship table on 11 points.
Tasman 30 (James Marshall, Mark Bright, Andrew Goodman tries; Goodman 3 pen, 3 con) Auckland 28 (Brent Ward, Teddy Stanaway, Hadleigh Parkes tries; Piers Francis pen, 2 con, Gareth Anscombe 2 pen). Halftime: 17-17.
- HERALD ONLINE
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