Waikato 34
Auckland 13
KEY POINTS:
It wasn't the curtain call Auckland rugby coach Pat Lam was looking for.
After winning the Air NZ Cup last season, Lam's final match in charge of the defending champions before he takes over the Blues for the Super 14, was spoiled by a gutsy display from Waikato in Hamilton tonight.
Waikato, chasing their first win of the competition after three defeats and a draw earlier, deservedly took maximum points on the back of strong performances from skipper Liam Messam and All Blacks No 8 Sione Lauaki and first five eighth Stephen Donald.
Lauaki was a huge contributor to Waikato's win, setting up three tries while Donald claimed a personal haul of 19 points from a try, two penalties and four conversions.
Auckland faded out after a promising burst in the opening minutes and became a bedraggled and disjointed outfit that never looked likely to stay with Waikato.
Auckland pinned Waikato down in their 22 and went ahead within minutes of kick-off from a penalty by fullback Lachie Munro.
But that lead did not last long. Waikato found their rhythm with their forwards and backs combining well to drive Auckland back into defence.
From a series of forward driven phases, the ball went the width of the backs for fullback Sosene Anesi to off load to wing Tim Mikkelson for the opening try in the 12th minute.
Auckland regained the lead when All Black Isaia Toeava, at first five eighth, launched a n up and under and his looming presence on the chase induced Anesi to fumble his catch.
Auckland skipper and centre Ben Atiga capitalised on the error with a well-taken try.
Donald, who looked more settled than he did last week on his return from international duty, crafted Waikato's second try. He regathered his chip close to the try line to dot down and his conversion gave Waikato a 17-8 lead at halftime.
The lead stretched out to 27-8 with Donald adding a penalty soon after the restart.
Lauaki popped up to set up his side's second try, handling the ball twice before second five Callum Bruce dotted down under the cross bar.
Munro gave Auckland some hope of a come back when he scored a try in the 63rd minute but from thereon, Donald asserted full tactical control over the game.
Replacement hooker Ole Avei sealed the bonus-point win for Waikato when he crossed with two minutes to go.
- NZPA
