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NPC
WEL vs COU
NPC
Sky Stadium, Wellington
Wellington
vs
Counties Manukau
29
FT
14
Action
Lineups
All
Facts Only
All
Full-Time: 29 - 14
That wraps it up from this one, but thanks for joining us on Tribe. This is Ryan Nixon (@NewYorkNixon) signing off.
Counties will be gutted that their season comes to an end, especially as they played well enough in patches in this game to potentially win. Alamanda Motuga, Adam Brash and Hoskins Sotutu played well in the pack, while there were bright moments from Cameron Roigard, Tevita Ofa and Simon-Peter Toleafoa in attack. In the end though, untimely errors and the odd poor option cost them, and it results in the end of their campaign. They'll be proud to have bounced back from a poor start to make the quarters, but ultimately that's where it ends.
The Lions will now wait and see who they play in the semifinals, with the lowest ranked winner destined to head to the capital. They'll be without some of this week's reinforcements as the All Blacks depart, but will be pleased with the performances of some of their troops tonight. Du'Plessis Kirifi led from the front in a typically combative performance, while Riley Higgins, Akira Ieremia and Peter Umaga-Jensen off the bench were other regulars who impressed.
In the second half, it was more of a grind for the home side, who found themselves defending a lot through some ill discipline, and some great work from Counties around the breakdown. Wellington continued to present a black wall defensively though, and despite plenty of opportunities, Counties were only able to add the solitary second half try. That came either side of tries to TJ Perenara and Kyle Preston, which ensured that Wellington advance despite less than their best performance.
Wellington get the job done in the end, despite failing to put away Counties for a long time in this contest. Early on it looked like the Lions might do things comfortably, scoring three excellent tries to jump well clear, and look in complete control of things. This was largely on the back of some outstanding defence, as they kept Counties at bay despite some lengthy spells in possession, and then took their opportunities on attack when presented. Counties though were able to stay in the fight, with one excellent first half try keeping them in touch.
80+3'
Another kick upfield, and this time Wellington opt to run it out of play and end the game.
80+2'
Game not done yet as Wellington are pinged for collapsing the scrum. Counties just tap and look to play inside their own half, before Ofa puts in a kick that's blocked. Wellington have a chance to counter, but then spill it. Counties back with it.
80'
Wellington win the lineout, but can't get their drive advancing. It's freed up for a Savea crash over halfway, but again Counties are able to pinch a turnover. Proctor almost nabs an intercept, and even though he doesn't, his pressure forces Brash into a mistake. One last scrum.
79'
Counties get caught in midfield, and are pinged for holding on. Love is able to clear to touch just past the 10.