Waikato revive memories of '56 with win

Sitiveni Sivivatu of Waikato dives over the try line to score. Sandra Mu / Getty Images

Waikato 36 Canterbury 22

Waikato called on a 50-year-old provincial rugby spirit to topple Canterbury 36-22 in a thrilling clash at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton tonight.

Watching on were members of the Waikato team who upset South Africa at the same ground in the Springboks' 1956 tour-opener.

Gathered to celebrate an historic win, their collective memories would have flooded back as the modern-day Mooloo men tore into their vaunted rivals, out-scoring them five tries to three in a clash of Air New Zealand Cup pool B heavyweights.

Led from the front by captain Steven Bates, the hosts overcame the handicap of a horribly mis-firing lineout to give their season an enormous boost after opening with a 23-14 defeat of Southland last week.

The foundation was 26 unanswered points in 17 minutes midway through the first half in a dream period.

They then withstood a second-half Canterbury resurgence, holding out waves expansive attacks as the visitors sought to add to their opening wins over Hawke's Bay and Northland.

Bates was everywhere for Waikato and had relentless support from loose forward mates Marty Holah and Liam Messam, while halfback Brendon Leonard was tireless.

Canterbury lock Kevin O'Neill dominated the lineouts while teammate Cameron McIntyre pulled the strings well from second five-eighth.

Canterbury dominated the opening 15 minutes and winger Caleb Ralph made the most with a try from a flowing buildup.

Winger Scott Hamilton almost doubled the lead moments later but he spilled a grubber kick over the tryline after a sizzling bust by centre Casey Laulala.

Waikato's onslaught began in the 17th minute when sharp winger Sitiveni Sivivatu scored from a blindside move that put halfback Brendon Leonard clear.

A Leonard break created the next try to centre Richard Kahui and the Waikato centre had a second minutes later from a silky Sivivatu counter.

Kahui sported a swollen eye from early in the game which forced him from the field in the second spell, an act that seemed to weaken the Waikato defensive screen.

First five-eighth Stephen Donald, who scored 16 points, accelerated over through for Waikato's bonus point try in the 34th min but Canterbury snatched a crucial reposte on the stroke of halftime when centre Casey Laulala busted through.

Down 14-26 at the break, Canterbury's execution improved.

After penalties were traded, Laulala crossed for his second try with 18min remaining, a fine solo effort by the All Black after a month sidelined with a broken nose and eye socket.

For the next 10min Canterbury threatened to level but the hosts stood firm and had the final say when No 8 Liam Messam pounced on a loose ball spilled as the Cantabrians tried to run the ball from their own tryline.

Canterbury will need to bounce back for their Ranfurly Shield defence against Southland on Friday next week while Waikato are away to Otago.

Waikato 36 (Richard Kahui 2, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Stephen Donald, Liam Messam tries; Donald pen, 4 con)

Canterbury 22 (Casey Laulala 2, Caleb Ralph tries; Ben Blair pen, 2 con).

Halftime: 26-14.

- NZPA