Rugby: Waikato prepare for their final

Stephen Donald. Photo / Getty Images

Waikato coach Chris Gibbes insists he never lost faith that his team could make the domestic final through a hectic premiership campaign.

Back-to-back losses to Taranaki and Bay of Plenty, and later a 54-20 dunking by second-tier frontrunners Manawatu, didn't jolt his belief that Waikato were good enough.

Saturday's 26-19 bonus-point win over Auckland in Hamilton - the clincher coming deep into overtime - ensured not only a place in the ITM Cup final but hosting rights too.

So it will be a repeat of last year's final, when Canterbury nailed their third straight title 33-13 over Waikato. But Gibbes maintains lessons have been learned. Their 27-13 win over Canterbury in Christchurch on August 10 won't hurt their self-belief either.

"There's a couple of things we can take out of that, but as an overall contest, she's a different kettle of fish," Gibbes said of the final yesterday. "We learned that the harsh way in that final, having beaten them in the round robin then going down there and not firing a shot."

For a time it looked as if Waikato might have to settle for another trip to Christchurch before Stephen Donald got his second try at the death.

"I'd be lying if I said it wasn't a pretty stressful time, but we knew we could do it, we were creating plenty of opportunities," Gibbes said.

He had the highest praise for Donald, who has endured a difficult falling from grace in All Black selectors' eyes this year.

"He's a class player and he's been awesome this year, and he's really looking forward to the opportunity he's got this weekend," Gibbes said.

Donald is off to English club Bath, but has the chance to depart New Zealand in the best possible way.

Gibbes also doffed his hat to his medical staff in a cramped cup in which the attrition rate has presented new challenges to team management.

"Everybody's worked hard to keep the boys together and it's afforded us the luxury to pick from a fit squad.

"That competition in the squad brings out the best in the guys. That's the key to it."

Health-wise, Waikato are likely to be in good shape for the final. A couple of players have "little dings, but we're travelling all right," Gibbes said.

Auckland's loss, combined with Bay of Plenty's win over Southland yesterday left them fifth and pondering the what ifs as they review lost opportunities, notably against Otago and Tasman.

Southland are relegated to the championship, and will be replaced by the winner of Sunday's final between Manawatu and Hawkes Bay.