Waikato have suffered their first loss of the 2021 Bunnings NPC going down 19-20 to Canterbury at FMG Stadium Waikato in week 3 of the competition.

The visitors opened the scoring 16 minutes into the match, when Waisake Naholo crossed in the corner. Fergus Burke was unsuccessful with the conversion as Canterbury led 5-0.

Point scoring was limited in the first half with the next score coming right on half time, as Xavier Roe sniped from the back of the ruck finding a gap and racing through. Roe then found Samipeni Finau in support and the loose forward would draw the game up as the hooter sounded. Fletcher Smith added the extra and Waikato took a 2 point lead into the break.

In the second half, Henry Stowers would put the visitors back in front, when he scored their second try. This time Burke was successful with the conversion as Canterbury led 7-12 after 50 minutes.

Burke would extend Canterbury’s lead to 8 points after Waikato were penalised in a kickable position, before Sam Cooper smashed his way over the try line and Smith’s conversion meant Canterbury lead was reduced to 1 point with 12 minutes remaining.

With 6 minutes to play Burke collected a loose ball from Waikato to score another try for the visitors. Burke was unsuccessful with the conversion giving Waikato the opportunity to score a converted try to win.

Just like the first half a late try by Tepaea Cook-Savage gave Waikato the chance to steal the victory at the death. But Smith couldn’t convert from the sideline and Canterbury hung on to win the game 19-20.

Waikato 19 (Samipeni Finau, Sam Cooper, Tepaea Cook-Savage tries; Fletcher Smith 2 conversions)

Canterbury 20 (Waisake Naholo, Henry Stowers, Fergus Burke tries; Fergus Burke 1 conversion, 1 penalty)

HT: 7-5

Article added: Monday 20 September 2021