Waikato earns first division final against Auckland

9.25pm - by WYNNE GRAY

WAIKATO 41 OTAGO 37

Waikato will host Auckland next week when the neighbours clash for the first time in an NPC final.

It will be the third final for round robin winners Waikato who confirmed their place after beating Otago 41-37 in Hamilton this evening in the second semi final.

It was a triumph for captain Deon Muir who was playing his 100th game in his provincial colours as he led his robust driving pack of forwards to victory.

Tries were even at 5 apiece but Waikato had far more attacking venom than the visitors.

The midfield pairing of Keith Lowen and Regan King was especially destructive.

The match could have been much closer had Otago kicker Blair Feeney been in decent kicking form. He missed 7 kicks worth 17 points while stand-in Waikato kicker Bruce Reihana goaled each of his 7 attempts.

Waikato 41. Tries: Lowen 2, King 2, Holah 1; Reihana 5 cons and 2 pens.

Otago 37. Tries: Harding 2, Lee 2, Rabeni 1: Feeney 3 cons, 2 pens.

Half-time: 24-10.

Also today, Hawke's Bay beat Counties Manukau 37-16 in the NPC second division final. Hawke's Bay will play Bay of Plenty next weekend in an attempt to return to the first division next season.