Waikato pip North Harbour
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Waikato have won their second match of the NPC with a tight 22-16 victory over North Harbour in wet conditions at QBE Stadium.
It was the Waikato's first triumph since defeating Wellington back in the first week, and unlike recent outings, the young Waikato played a tight, and smart, brand of rugby.
Led by young Damian McKenzie, who kicked 17 points, and a blockbusting try to Ben Tameifuna, the tourists walked away with four valuable competition points.
Harbour, who sunk to their third straight defeat, will at least pick up a losing bonus point.
*Meanwhile, Otago have defeated Southland 33-22, with the Southland Stags playing their part in an epic contest in the Deep South.
In the 237th match between the sides in perfect rugby conditions, it was a match of two halves tactically.
The first 40 minutes of the match was played at pace and with plenty of width, but the second half was more about two teams going hammer and tong at the breakdown in what was an arduous battle up front.
The contest opened with extreme speed, unlike many Southland and Otago clashes of yesteryear, this game was about two back divisions that enjoy running with the ball.
Finally, In a high quality encounter the Hawke’s Bay Magpies have claimed the Ranfurly Shield with a 27-21 victory over Counties Manukau in Pukekohe.
With the lead changing hands on numerous occasions, the visitors had to survive a furious onslaught from the Steelers in the dying stages, first repelling a 24 phase attack before hanging on for grim life after being penalised for minor infringements.
In the end, despite the clock being nearly three minutes past time, Tim Nanai-Williams would in one last throw of the dice lose the ball forward to bring Counties Shield reign to a close, while starting a new chapter for the Magpies.
They will get to show the Shield off to their appreciative fans in a week where Napier will also welcome the All Blacks for Test action.
Week Three scores and scorers:
Waikato 22-16 North Harbour
North Harbour:
Tries: Raikuna
Con: McGahan
Pens: McGahan 3
Waikato:
Tries: Tameifuna
Con: McKenzie
Pens: McKenzie 5
Otago 33-22 Southland
Southland:
Tries: Halaholo, Jackman, Hardie
Cons: Sopoaga 2
Pen: Sopoaga
Otago:
Tries: Walden, Collins, Renton
Cons: Parker 3
Pens: Parker 4
Hawke’s Bay 27-21 Counties
Counties
Tries: Auva’a, Pulu
Con: Nanai-Williams
Pens: Tuala 2, Nanai-Williams
Hawke’s Bay:
Tries: O’Connor 2, Eaton, Tongia
Cons: West 2
Pen: West
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