Rugby: Waikato late try claims bonus-point win

Save Tokula of Waikato looks to pass. Photo / Getty Images

Waikato 33
Tasman 6

Waikato notched their second win of the ITM Cup when they beat Tasman 33-6 in Hamilton tonight.

Despite frittering away possession on many occasions in each half due to the combined effects of a wet ball and poor passing, Waikato were able to overcome a feisty Tasman defence to score four tries through Tim Mikkelson, Declan O'Donnell, Rory Grice and Ted Tauroa.

First five-eighth Trent Renata kicked three penalties and two conversions.

Waikato, who began the match at the bottom of the Premiership standings were desperate to put their season back on track after a disappointing performance while losing to Bay of plenty on Tuesday.

The opening try came in the 11th minute when fullback Mikkelson finished off a sweeping move which began after a cut-out pass put midfielder Save Tokula into space.

Two Renata penalties to two by Tasman kicker Andre Goodman saw Waikato take a 13-6 lead into halftime.

Tasman, who are winless and bottom of the Championship division were unable to raise their game meaningfully in the second half and were kept scoreless.

O'Donnell finished off a sweeping move after Waikato cleared the ball from the back of the scrum in the 50th minute and Grice's try in the 72nd minute set the stage for an all out effort to net a bonus point.

That crucial score went to substitute Ted Tauroa who picked the ball from a ruck to drive over right on fulltime.

Waikato 33 (Tim Mikkelson, Declan O'Donnell, Rory Grice, Ted Tauroa tries; Trent Renata 3 pen, 3 con) Tasman 6 (Andrew Goodman 2 pen). Halftime: 13-6

- NZPA