Wellington book home semi with 30-0 win

10.00pm

Wellington ensured a home NPC first division rugby semifinal as top qualifiers after they beat Southland 30-0 in their final round robin march in Invercargill today.

Regardless of the result between playoff contenders North Harbour and Bay of Plenty tomorrow, Wellington will host the fourth placed side this weekend.

A forgettable match was marred by the sending off of All Blacks loose forward Jerry Collins for a high tackle in the 36th minute.

Referee Steve Walsh had little option but to march Collins after he flattened Southland No 8 Paul Miller with a swinging arm to the chin.

Despite playing more than half the game with 14 men, Wellington were rarely troubled by Southland who ended their season with just one win from nine matches.

It looked as if the floodgates would open when wing Ma'a Nonu scored from a simple cutback move to make it 14-0 after 20 minutes.

But Southland fought back and camped on Wellington's line late in the half without scoring.

Wellington's third and final try didn't come until the 75th minute when replacement back Jimmy Gopperth crossed the line.

He converted his own try and added two late penalties to boost the final margin.

Scores:-

Wellington 30 (Mahonri Schwalger, Ma'a Nonu, Jimmy Gopperth tries; Piri Weepu 2 con, pen; Gopperth con, 2 pen)

Southland 0.

Halftime: 14-0.

- NZPA

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