Stirring win puts Waikato on top

9.30pm

Waikato leapt past Otago to the top of the NPC first division rugby championship with a deserved 27-15 win at Waikato Stadium tonight.

The home side scored four tries and the subsequent bonus point sees them move a point ahead of previously-unbeaten Otago as competition leaders.

The boot of Otago fullback Willie Walker threatened to steal victory, getting them within two points of the lead midway through the second spell.

However, a try to first five-eighth David Hill all but sealed the result and maintained Waikato's unbeaten record at home against the southerners going back to 1995.

It was an even battle between two of the competition's best forward packs but Waikato showed more penetration throughout the match.

Slippery conditions meant it would never be a spectacular clash. There were few line breaks and both sides were guilty of some aimless kicking.

It was the perfect result for Waikato halfback Rhys Duggan, who was playing his 100th game for the province. He was given a loud ovation when substituted late in the game.

Waikato deserved their 12-6 halftime lead, scoring the only two tries of the first spell, although both came via opportune means.

In the 18th minute in-form winger Loki Crichton charged down an attempted clearing kick from a ruck by Otago halfback Danny Lee and towed the ball 40m before scoring. He missed the conversion from an easy position.

Waikato right winger Matt Priscott crossed 15 minutes later following up a long kick that bounced wickedly infield and caused opposite Brad Fleming to slip.

Walker slotted penalties in the seventh and 40th minutes but Otago rarely threatened the tryline.

Three further Walker penalties in the first 20 minutes of the second spell left Otago trailing 15-17 down, with a try to prop Deacon Manu after a long buildup keeping the home side narrowly in front.

However, Hill's try under the posts -- he burst over in the arms of two tacklers from a 5m scrum -- all but sealed the result.

- NZPA


NPC points table