Rugby: Gutsy Southland grind down Mooloos

Jason Kawau. Photo / Getty Images

Southland got their Air NZ Cup rugby campaign off to a sparkling start with a 16-6 win over Waikato in Invercargill.

First five-eighth Robbie Robinson starred for Southland, controlling his side's possession well and kicking three penalties and a conversion.

The first half was a dour affair as both pack cancelled themselves out in the middle of the park.

With both sides yet to find their groove, play lacked accuracy and the game lacked fluency although there was a lot of hearty endeavour.

Robinson put his side ahead with a well-taken penalty but with Waikato second-five Callum Bruce knocking the equaliser over, the teams went to the break locked at 3-3.

Bruce put Waikato in front with an early penalty after the breather but it was Southland who had came out with a bit more determination to connect their game between the forward and backs.

The tight five of Joe Tuineau, Josh Bekhuis, Chris King, David Hall and Jamie Mackintosh outplayed their Waikato counterparts - Kent Fife, Toby Lynn, Nathan White, Ole Avei and Ben May - to put down a platform for halfback Scott Cowan to operate from.

However, it was experienced second five-eighth Jason Kawau who sparked the only try of the game when he snaffled a loose ball from a Waikato ruck.

Kawau's break was ably supported and the Southland pack were able to mount a period of sustained pressure on the Waikato line.

The Waikato defence finally cracked when winger Pehi Te Whare jinked through to dot down by an upright for Robinson to convert.

Waikato were unable to get back into the game as they continued to make mistakes, losing seven of their own lineout throws and spilling the ball when they had it.

Robinson kicked another two penalties late in the half to put the game out of Waikato's reach.

"We got taught a lesson tonight at the breakdowns," Waikato skipper Liam Meesam said.

"We'll definitely have to work on the lineouts and the breakdown as well for next week," he added.

Southland skipper Jamie Mackintosh recognised his side had been unable to dominate the contact areas in the first half but had decided to "hit them with a bit more ticker in the second half".

He also praised Robinson who had originally been named at fullback but had stepped up at the last minute into the No 10 slot because of a late injury to James Wilson.

Southland 16 (Pehi Te Whare try; Robbie Robinson 3 pen, con) Waikato 6 (Callum Bruce 2 pen). Halftime: 3-3.


- NZPA