Waikato win but Cowan injury a worry for All Blacks

Southland 14 Waikato 23

Forget the result, the All Black selectors would have been far more concerned with the state of their halfbacks after one failed to take the field and the other left injured last night.

Byron Kelleher was unavailable for the victors last night, but he is not a long-term concern. Jimmy Cowan, however, left the field with what appeared to be a damaged ankle after scoring for the home team.

With Piri Weepu's injury against the Springboks eight days ago, the All Blacks are looking thin at the halfback position. Players like Canterbury's Kevin Senio and Andy Ellis might be thrust into the national frame.

With round two of the Air New Zealand Cup blighted by bad weather, and even worse rugby, it was left to Waikato and Southland to restore a bit of pride in the national game.

While hardly an epic, it was made to look outstanding compared to the fare served up at the corresponding hour the night before.

After a bye in round one, Waikato made a winning start to their campaign. Southland, seeking their second win in as many matches, were unable to overcome a solid Waikato defence in the second half.

Both sides scored two tries each.

Waikato, who had the bye last weekend, and were without All Blacks Kelleher and Mils Muliaina, were rusty and trailed 10-14 at halftime. They were fortunate to be that close, with Sitiveni Sivivatu scoring with time up.

Waikato first five-eighths Stephen Donald kicked a penalty to open the scoring after just one minute when Southland infringed at a ruck.

The home team's reply was not long in coming.

After both teams exchanged forays into each other's half, Southland midfielder Phil Dawson punched through some weak tackles to set No 8 Iona Sipa up with an easy try close to the posts.

With Waikato finding their feet, Southland struck again in a breakout after a period of defence.

Cowan fed the backline from a ruck 50 metres out and then finished off the move which involved powerful runs from blindside flanker Hale T-Pole and lock Hoani MacDonald.

Waikato's resurgence began with a sparkling try as halftime beckoned.

Fullback Sosene Anesi jinked 30 metres through the Southland defence and flamboyant wing Sivivatu finished the move off in typical style.

A more cohesive effort in the second half from Waikato left Southland gasping under the pressure and they cracked.

Donald, who kicked another two penalties, capitalised on a Southland backline fumble to dot down untouched midway through the second half.

Southland 14 (I. Sipa, J. Cowan tries; B. Stewart 2 cons).
Waikato 23 (S. Sivivatu, S. Donald tries; Donald 3 pens, 2 cons).
HT: 14-10.