A lacklustre Waikato survived a torrid test from Tasman to emerge 25-23 victors in an entertaining match at Blenheim yesterday.
Waikato looked to be suffering more than a little from Shield after-fever, having lost the Ranfurly Shield to Canterbury a week ago, and needed a solid result tolift their spirits.
It didn't happen. They led early but Tasman threatened to pocket the competition points before a late converted try enabled Waikato to leave town with pride intact.
A Liam Messam special tipped the scales in their favour, when he charged on to a flat pass from halfback David Bason to score his second try in the 71st minute.
William Ripia's conversion from in front edged Waikato in front and Tasman's hopes faded when replacement first five-eighth James Foote's 38m penalty drifted to the left six minutes from fulltime.
It took Messam's direct approach to douse Tasman's flame after they looked more than capable of causing a boilover result as unexpected as Hawke's Bay's shock win over Wellington in the second round.
Waikato coach Warren Gatland made numerous changes to his starting personnel but was forced to go to the bench early in the second half, bringing on former All Blacks Tom Willis, Stephen Donald and Marty Holah, when Tasman led 23-18.
Tasman had shown glimpses of quality to overhaul a 5-18 deficit after Waikato scored early tries to Messam (intercept) and hard-driving hooker Aled de Malmanche.
That 13-point buffer was almost wiped out in five minutes before halftime as Tasman kept the ball in hand while playing into the wind.
Right winger Afeleki Pelenise made a great run down the flank in a move which ended with hooker Daniel Perrin crashing over.
Replacement midfield back Sione Holani scored through some dubious Waikato defence after changing the angle of attack.
First five-eighth Tim Taylor's conversion dragged Tasman to 17-18 at halftime, which they soon turned into a 23-18 lead when Taylor landed two penalties early after the interval.
But then Messam, underlining the thoughts of many that the quality loose forward is likely for calls to a higher rugby station, took over.
Waikato 25 (L. Messam 2, A. de Malmanche tries; W. Ripia 2 pen, 2 con) Tasman 23 (R.Malneek, D. Perrin, S. Holani tries; T. Taylor 2 pen, con). Halftime: 18-17.
