Rugby: Waikato pip Taranaki in NPC semi

NZ Sports Wire

Photo by: John Velvin

A dominant first half saw Waikato pip defending champions Taranaki 15-14 on Saturday night to advance to the National Provincial Championship semi-finals. 

Perhaps it was a Ranfurly Shield hangover, but it took until the second half for the home side to score.

Waikato were ahead 12-0 at half time and added a vital drop goal to Teapea Cook-Strange in the second half to score the victory and a place in the semifinals.

The home side roared back into life with tries to forward Bradley Slater as well as the speedy Adam Lennox, both of which were converted. 

Earlier it the game it was frontrower Oli Norris scoring followed by Oli Mathis, usually a loose forward on the wing plus one conversion for ex-All Black Aaron Cruden. 

Waikato will now play Wellington in the capital on Friday night while Bay of Plenty will face Canterbury at home in the other semifinal. 

Waikato 15 (Ollie Norris, Oli Mathis tries Aaron, Cruden,  1 con, Teapea Cook-Strange 1 dg)
Taranaki 14 (Bradley Slater, Adam Lennox tries, Stephen Perofeta 1 con, Josh Jacomb 1 con).
HT 12-0.