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NPC
WEL vs WAI
NPC
Sky Stadium, Wellington
Wellington
vs
Waikato
29
FT
24
Action
Lineups
All
Facts Only
All
Full-Time: 29 - 24
That is all we have for you from Wellington this evening. Thanks for tuning into Tribe's coverage of this Bunnings NPC semi-final match. Until next time, I'm Dan Gread saying goodbye for now.
Waikato will rue a few key moments where they let themselves down in the second half. After leading at the break, they fell off tackles as Wellington put them to the sword. Their line out was a problem in the second half and they gave away penalties in key positions on the park. Mathis was excellent out wide, while Tupaea and Cruden linked well in the midfield but it wasn't enough and their season comes to an end!
Wellington showed their dominance in the second half half, with tries to Preston and Poasa to put them in the box seat before a late try to Tupaea kept things interesting in the final few minutes. Wellington over came the penalty count and put Waikato into a grind as they attacked through the middle of the park. The best on show for the home side was Kirifi. He was massive in the second half with big hits and turn overs at the breakdown!
So Wellington come over the top of Waikato in the second half and get the job done, booking their place in the Final at home next weekend against Bay of Plenty.
80'
Wellington bring down the line out and look to keep it at the back inside the 22 with Apisai. The Lions keep it at the back before slipping it for Muriwai and Savea in midfield. 15 out as Muriwai moves it on for Halalilo. A couple off the ruck as the time winds down! Out the back and booted into touch by Higgins! WELLINGTON HANG ON!
79'
The Lions feed the scrum on the Mooloo 10 with Muriwai. Off they go to the right. Savea puts the kick through! Back there is Anderson and he returns on the 22. Thrown into the middle as Cruden has to go back. To the short side they go! They are held up and dragged into touch on the 22! Big defensive play from Wellington!
78'
Loose ball in the line out and Waikato mop up. Cruden takes it to the line as they move it along to the left edge with Tuivailala. Roe reaches in on halfway and finds Sullivan in the midfield. Loose pass on the right edge this time as Tupaea pops up on the flank to take a run on halfway. Slow ball into the middle and Anae-Ah-Sue puts it down! Scrum for Wellington on Waikato's 10.
77'
Harkin goes high up the left on the restart. Sullivan brings it down and returns hard over his 22. Turned over by Delany! Wellington are back with it on the 22 with Kamimori but Waikato win the penalty! Tupaea was all over it! Touch is found up the right near halfway.
76'
Cruden converts from just right of the sticks on the quick conversion.