Waikato win, lose Sivivatu

The good news was that All Black winger Sitiveni Sivivatu made his comeback after injury and scored a good try yesterday. The bad news was that he hurt his knee again and is in real doubt for the final All Black home test of the season, against Australia at Eden Park.

Sivivatu limped off after scoring one of the three first-half tries that won this match for Waikato, underlining the point made by coach Warren Gatland to build depth in his side because of a highly changeable player roster through All Black commitments and injury.

The win was built on three first-half tries at ITM Stadium. Northland managed to keep Waikato scoreless in long patches but the visitors always had the class and, more significantly, overwhelming possession. They eventually broke the Northland resistance - personified by a try to flanker Aaron Wright - to lead 24-7 at halftime.

For an individual star, look no further than Waikato first five-eighths Stephen Donald. Earmarked as a potential All Black pivot for the Grand Slam tour of Europe, the leggy Donald had an impressive match before being subbed midway through the second half.

Donald directed play well for the visitors and frequently ran at the Northland line - producing their opening try with a beautiful break from 45m out and showcasing a good sidestep as well. He also landed four conversions from as many attempts and a penalty to show his goalkicking ability.

Sivivatu, before his injury, had a comparatively quiet match but did his work well and would have been pleasing the national selectors before his injury.

Even though he was encumbered with what seemed to be a recurrence of his troublesome knee, he still had too much for the Northland defence after taking an inside pass from Donald.

Waikato prospered from strong set-phase play with two tries resulting from scrums, while Northland had trouble with their set phases.

Donald scored Waikato's first try and made Sivivatu's, who glided through a gaping hole in the Northland backline.

Donald's conversion put Waikato ahead 17-7, then he converted halfback Brendon Leonard's five-pointer for the halftime lead. Centre Keith Lowen barrelled over for Waikato's fourth try just after the break, then second five-eighths Derek Maisey scored with 10 minutes remaining.

Northland 7

(A. Wright try; D. Howell con)

Waikato 38

(S. Donald, S. Sivivatu, B. Leonard, K. Lowen, D. Maisey tries; Donald pen, 4 conS, W. Ripia con)

- HERALD ON SUNDAY