Cortez Ratima was next to score as he was a benefactor of a Josh Ioane chip, kick and regather, offloading to Ratima who went in under the posts. Ioane added the extras and Waikato extended their advantage to 19-3 near the midway point of the first half.
Ratima was in again making it a double for the halfback at the 30-minute mark, after Sullivan’s strong run helped set up Ratima to again go in untouched. Ioane added the extras to make it 26-3 Waikato.
With 6 minutes remaining in the first half, Michael Manson scored in the corner for the home team. Dyer was unsuccessful from the sideline.
Then right on halftime, Waikato gave away a penalty in a kickable position for Southland and they opted for the shot at goal. Dyer was successful with the kick and both teams went into the break with Waikato leading 26-11.
The Stags opened the scoring early in the second half after Matt Whaanga’s break, set up Viliami Fine’s try. Dyer added the extras and reduced Waikato’s advantage to 8 points at 44 minutes.
The home team made it a one-score game when Waikato were penalised out in front of the posts. Dyer was successful with the penalty kick and Waikato led 26-21 after 54 minutes.
Waikato were almost held out from scoring in the second half, but a penalty from the home team as time was expiring, lead to Taha Kemara stepping up and nailing the penalty shot at goal to give Waikato a 29-21 win over the Southland Stag in week 1 of the Bunnings NPC.
Southland Stags 21 (Michael Manson, Viliami Fine tries; Greg Dyer 1 conversion, 3 penalties)
Waikato 26 (Malachi Wrampling, Pita Anae-Ah Sue, Cortez Ratima 2 tries; Josh Ioane 3 conversions, Taha Kemara 1 penalty)
HT: 11-26
