Rugby: Sopoaga's boot guides Wellington to victory

Hosea Gear, of Wellington, takes on North Harbour's Nafi Tuitavake in Albany last night. Photo / Sarah Ivey

World Cup lock Anthony Boric survived a 40-minute workout last night, but Southland have not done likewise in the top tier of the national rugby championship.

Wellington's comeback win - based on Lima Sopoaga's fabulous seven-from-seven goalkicking performance - removed them from relegation danger in the ITM Cup premiership and consigned Southland to the drop even before they take on Bay of Plenty tomorrow.

After nine weeks sidelined by a foot injury, Harbour's Boric had a couple of good moments in the first half at Albany before being pulled out of the match, presumably with input from above.

The big lock said his foot was fine although the lungs were "burning". After such a long time out of action, it was a decent performance, but as a World Cup portent, it hardly justified the faith in his recovery. Time will have to tell, but the jury remains out after what will be Boric's only significant hit out before the tournament begins.

Second-tier stragglers North Harbour roared in the first half, with their third try - to hooker James Parsons - the highlight.

A loose lineout was rescued by Chris Smylie, with the halfback cruising through woeful Wellington defence and as the corner loomed large, he flicked the ball swiftly inside to Parsons who ran on unchallenged.

Smylie had opened the scoring after Wellington left the ball at the back of a ruck with a major invitation sign on it, which Harbour gleefully accepted. Rudi Wulf reacted sharply to a kick gone wrong to set up a David Raikuna try.

Wellington, farewelling big Neemia Tialata, edged their way into the contest with Sopoaga's second-half penalties, then hit the front via Hosea Gear, who finished Charlie Ngatai's fine work by gliding down the left wing.

Raikuna's second try was a stunning effort, but the final pass delivered by Rudi Wulf was clearly forward. If these sort of errors continue, the call for more video intrusions into rugby might become overwhelming.

Wellington 29

Tries: Faifili Levave, Hosea Gear
Cons: Lima Sopoaga 2
Pens: Sopoaga 5

North Harbour 28

Tries: David Raikuna 2, Chris Smylie, James Parsons
Con: Ben Botica
Pens: Botica 2 pen

Halftime: North Harbour 23-10.