Late try powers Auckland into FPC semifinals as Po’e denies Wellington
AUCKLAND scored a matchwinning try with four minutes left to break Wellington hearts and book their spot in the Farah Palmer Cup premiership semifinals.
A 76th minute try from replacement Cilia-Marie Po’e proved the difference maker for Auckland, who edged Wellington 26-25 at Eden Park yesterday.
Auckland had trailed throughout the second half with Wellington looking well placed for the win when replacement Ivana Samani scored in the 53rd min to make it 25-12.
The Storm showed plenty of grit to fight back from 13 points down with late tries to centre
Mele Hufanga and Po’e helping them regain the lead.
In a stirring finish, Wellington attacked the Auckland try line, but couldn’t get over.
Auckland’s thrilling win secures them third spot after round play and means they will take on neighbours Waikato in next week’s two versus three semifinal in Hamilton.
Wellington nabbed two bonus points despite the loss and remain in fourth spot. They could still make the semifinals, but will need unbeaten Canterbury to beat Bay of Plenty today – who are still in contention for fourth place.
With the Black Ferns playing Australia in the second Laurie O’Reilly Cup test in Adelaide, FPC sides were all without their New Zealand stars.
Defending champions
Waikato, who had already secured second spot, warmed up for the semis with a 32-12 win over Counties Manukau in Pukekohe.
Waikato took a 17-7 lead into halftime, courtesy of tries to the Paraone sisters, Merania and Rina.
A 61st-min try from Counties Manukau first-five Mererangi Paul, her second of the game, trimmed Waikato’s lead to 20-12.
Waikato hit back with a crucial try four minutes later from lock Esther Tilo-Faioga to give themselves some breathing space.
They added a late try through replacement Lonita NgaluLavemai to cap off the win and
eliminate the Heat.
North Harbour overcame Tasman 31-20 in Blenheim in the quarterfinals of the second tier Championship competition.
The sides produced a tight contest with North Harbour guaranteeing the win with a lastminute try from Chantelle Schofield. North Harbour were clinging to a 24-20 lead with Tasman pushing hard for a match-winning try.
In today’s games, Canterbury, who have already secured top spot for next week’s premiership semifinals, take on Bay of Plenty in Tauranga.
Northland host Taranaki in today’s second championship quarterfinal in Whangā rei with top qualifiers Otago and Hawke’s Bay already through.