Southland downs Waikato

8.00pm

SOUTHLAND 24 WAIKATO 13

Invercargill proved a graveyard for another highly-rated NPC rugby team as Southland beat Waikato 24-13 in a bruising first division match at Rugby Park today.

In a defence-dominated match punctuated by mistakes, a committed Southland further enhanced their semifinal prospects, ensuring much interest in the final two rounds of a congested competition.

Both sides scored two tries but Southland first five-eighth Richard Apanui had a far better day with the boot than opposite David Hill, slotting 14 points including a late dropped goal. Hill missed several kickable shots, including two penalties from adjacent positions midway through the second half when Waikato spent plenty of time on attack.

Southland produced one of their best 40-minute efforts for some time in scoring 16 unanswered points in the second spell after trailing 8-13 at the break.

As ever flankers Ben Herring and Hale T-Pole were at the heart of a non-stop forward effort which forced a welter of turnovers. Their backs were more accurate in heavy conditions.

Waikato opened the scoring in the 20th minute when Regan King, playing out of position on the wing, cut back on the end of sweeping passing move to the left. T-Pole replied soon afterwards but Waikato flanker Scott Couch had the visitors sitting pretty with a try shortly before halftime.

Southland's comeback began 3min into the second spell when Hayden Martine sliced through out wide. Apanui kicked the conversion and his boot provided the only points for the rest of the match.

Southland 24 (Hale T-Pole, Hayden Martine tries; Richard Apanui 3 pen, con, dropped goal)

Waikato 13 (Regan King, Scott Couch tries; David Hill pen)

Halftime: Waikato 13-8

- NZPA

NPC points table