Southland trounced by Waikato

11.00pm

Waikato has thrashed Southland 52-23 in tonight's NPC clash in Hamilton.

The home side led 28-13 at half time.

Earlier today Otago downed Northland 40-24 in Dunedin and North Harbour went down to Taranaki 33-29 in New Plymouth.

The under-dog Northlanders looked likely to produce an upset with a handy lead in mid-way through the second spell.

However Otago fought back in front of a small Carisbrook crowd to eventually stretch out to a victory.

Meanwhile there have been some big scores in NPC second division.

Nelson Bays has thrashed Thames Valley 71-10, while Hawke's Bay has also scored a half century of points, beating Wanganui 54-nil.

It was much tighter for Counties-Manukau who beat Marlborough 36-32, while Manawatu has beaten East Coast 24-13.

Tomorrow the Ranfurly Shield goes on the line when Auckland host Bay of Plenty at Eden Park.

- NEWSTALK ZB

NPC points table