Waikato top pool despite Donald sending off

Waikato's Richard Kahui scores a try between the posts. Phil Walter / Getty Images

Waikato 42 Northland 21

Waikato lost Stephen Donald to the first red card of the rugby competition but still grabbed a prime spot for the Air New Zealand Cup's second round after beating Northland 42-21 in Hamilton today.

Donald was sent off by referee Keith Brown in the 43rd minute at Waikato Stadium for a high tackle on Jake Paringatai.

Although the Northland No 8 brushed off the hit, for first five-eighth Donald the damage was already done as it was his second offence, leaving Brown no option other than to send him from the field.

Donald had been sinbinned in the 15th minute for a shot that left opposite David Holwell dazed, although the veteran first five-eighth dusted himself off to land the second of his three penalties to keep Northland in touch before the floodgates opened.

Ahead 21-6 at the break, Waikato's victory was never compromised by Donald's departure - Waikato doubled their score in his absence - and they achieved their goal of topping pool B when replacement loose forward Liam Messam wheeled out of a tackle to score under the crossbar in the 55th minute.

Waikato's quest for four tries started perfectly when centre Richard Kahui strolled over for the first of his three tries after just 40 seconds.

Utility Dwayne Sweeney, playing at fullback today, cleaned up a sloppy pass and put Kahui free after wing Rene Ranger had attempted to toe the ball downfield.

Kahui struck again in the 25th minute when David Hill put the midfielder over under the crossbar to give Waikato a tangible return after a period of sustained pressure.

Northland thwarted Waikato pack surges three times from close range before the backs turned a wealth of possession into points.

Wing Roy Kinikinilau added Waikato's third on the half hour but Waikato were then held at bay until Messam's introduction for Sione Lauaki in the 50th minute.

Sweeney, after a good run from Sosene Anesi, and Kahui -- courtesy of a floated Daniel Bowden intercept pass -- scored within three minutes of each other as the scoreline blew out.

Northland had the final say with consolation tries to Bowden and reserve halfback David Gibson when Northland belatedly profited from their man advantage.

Waikato skipper Steven Bates was delighted to top pool B and qualify second overall although Donald's demise took some gloss off the victory.

"We've got to feel a little bit for Ducky (Donald). I thought they were reflex (actions) personally but the referee had no other choice. There was no intent in it."

Brown also ended the game on the sideline after injuring an achilles in the 70th minute.

Touch judge Kyle McLean took over until the final whistle.

Waikato 42 (Richard Kahui 3, Roy Kinikinilau, Liam Messam, Dwayne Sweeney tries; David Hill 6 con)
Northland 21 (Daniel Bowden, David Gibson tries; David Holwell 3 pen con).
HT: 21-6

- NZPA