Taranaki extended their winning streak in rugby’s national provincial championship to six matches with a 33-26 win over premiership side Waikato in Tauranga today.
Tom Florence
Photo: Photosport
Waikato outscored the visitors four tries to two, but the reliable boot of fullback Stephen Perofeta added 23 points from the tee in a match-winning performance.
Five Perofeta penalties gave championship leaders Taranaki a narrow 15-12 halftime lead, with Fijian winger Mosese Dawai and lock James Tucker crossing to keep Waikato in touch.
Waikato hit the front 12 minutes into the second half when sevens star Beaudein Waaka crashed over in the corner from a quick tap.
However, Taranaki regained the lead five minutes later when centre Daniel Waite scored, extending it through a Kini Naholo intercept try.
D’Angelo Leilua scored for Waikato with 12 minutes remaining, the conversion chopping Taranaki’s lead to 27-26 only for two more Perofeta penalties to wrap up the game for Taranaki.
Ma’a Nonu
Photo: Photosport
In a Heartland match, former All Black Ma’a Nonu came off the bench for Ngāti Porou East Coast in Ruatōria to help end the team’s 54-match losing streak with a 50-26 win over Buller in the Heartland Championship.
The 39-year-old former All Blacks midfield back came off the bench for East Coast, who are coached by 14-test All Black Hosea Gear.
East Coast’s last win came against Poverty Bay in September 2013.
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