Rugby: Wellington too good for Counties

4:30 PM

Wellington overcame Counties-Manukau 45-29 in a scrappy NPC encounter at Pukekohe this afternoon.

The visitors take maximum points from the match, having outscored Counties six tries to three.

Tries from Afeaki and Cullen put points on the board for Wellington early in the first half, but Counties came back with a try from Akurangi and three Feeney penalties.

Wellington took a 15-14 lead into the break, but a try to Vidiri gave the home side the lead minutes into the second half.

The southerners stormed back with Umaga, O'Halloran, Lomu and Flutey scoring a try apiece.

Counties struggled with possession throughout the second forty minutes despite having the advantage of the breeze.

The remainder of their points came from Blair Feeney, who scored a try and kicked a penalty.

- HERALD ONLINE STAFF