The game got off to an electric start with both sides exchanging fluent attack that lead to exciting and creative plays. Wellington took the early advantage by scoring from the tap off, but then allowed Auckland to get into the game and take the lead. Auckland dominated throughout the half, but Wellington showed their resolve and it was 4-4 at half time.
Auckland took the lead again as the second half got under way, but a when a player was sent to the sin bin they were put under enormous pressure. However, Wellington were didn’t take advantage of an extra player and were unable to eat into the Auckland lead. Tabatha McKenzie and George Albert-Jahnke set about the task of reviving Wellington’s fortunes that saw the teams draw level again.
Auckland eventually pulled out to a two-try lead with five minutes to go and when Wellington’s captain was sin-binned it was their game for the taking. Wellington stood up to the challenge however and produced two late tries to tie the game at 9-9. The final try went through nine sets of hands and the movement didn’t end until about 1 minute after the final whistle was blown.
After their stirring late comeback, Wellington had all the momentum it was no surprise when they scored from the tap off. Auckland was soon attacking and in good field position, but Wellington defended stoutly for a set of six. In a last throw of the dice Auckland spread the ball wide to their unmarked winger who dived over the line, but the final pass was ruled forward and Wellington got the win.
Last Modified on 03/03/2010 13:46
