Rugby: Waikato win derby arm wrestle

Brendon Leonard of Waikato passes the ball out against Bay of Plenty tonight. Photo / Getty Images

Waikato held on to beat Bay of Plenty 13-10 in a tense Chiefs rugby derby tonight to claim early bragging rights in the ITM Cup.

An error-ridden fixture in Hamilton saw the hosts emerge deserved winners although the loss to the sinbin of flanker Jack Lam and subsequent try to Bay of Plenty opposite number Tanerau Latimer meant local fingernails got a decent chomp over the closing 10 minutes.

Waikato clung fast with a man down to avenge last year's loss and reward the work of their forwards, who dominated the scrum battle and were led superbly at the breakdown by flanker Liam Messam.

Another fringe All Black, halfback Brendon Leonard, scored their only try in the 37th minute, their first points of the game before opening up a 10-3 halftime advantage.

The try was created by ACT Brumbies import Christian Leali'ifano, who offloaded sweetly to first five-eighth Trent Renata. His mazy run toyed with the defence before sending Leonard clear under the crossbar.

Renata's skill made up for a mixed night with the boot, including missing his first three penalty shots at goal.

It meant opposition No 10 Daniel Waenga's early penalty had the visitors in front for a long period despite Waikato holding an edge in most facets.

That advantage became more proncounced after the break and Leonard nearly bagged a second before being bundled into touch.

Winger Dwayne Sweeney landed a 67th-minute penalty to extend the lead to 10 but Latimer was driven over against an undermanned Waikato pack soon afterwards, setting up the tight finish.

Reserve back Phil Burleigh landed the wide conversion and had a chance to level the scores with 2min remaining via a 45m penalty shot. His attempt was straight but fell just under the crossbar.

Waikato 13 (Brendon Leonard try; Trent Renata pen, con) Bay of Plenty 10 (Tanirau Latimier try; Daniel Waenga pen, Phil Burleigh con). Halftime: 10-3.

- NZPA