The Stan Thomas Memorial Trophy will stay in the Waikato for at least another year.

Waikato, with a very youthful side, edged Auckland’s band of young tyros 35-27 to inflict a second home defeat in consecutive years on Eden Park. A late Matt Lansdown penalty goal denied Auckland the bonus point.

The Mooloos were simply less profligate with possession when it counted, though the home side did have its chances. However, all too often a stray pass or the concession of a penalty stymied its progress. Replacement Waikato wing Sevu Reece lit up the second spell with a superb solo try from 60m, a kick and chase special. An earlier penalty try for Waikato, from which Marcel Renata was yellow carded, also proved decisive.

There was time for rookie flanker Sione Havili to score from a lineout drive with just minutes to run. He was one of five debutants for Auckland, along with first five Wiseguy Faiane, wing Tumua Manu, and fellow replacements JP Sauni and Sam Ulufonua.

The first stanza saw far more open rugby than was previously predicted with the inclement weather. The rain never arrived, meaning the ball was not as greasy as in the opening two games. But the quality of Auckland’s backline passing did not match its ambition and this allowed Waikato to get a roll on and create pressure.

Waikato wing Tyler Campbell was the first to benefit after just two minutes, the last pass delivered by former King’s College centre Bailyn Sullivan.

Auckland captain Patrick Tuipulotu, continuing his strong form, drove over from short range, vindicating his decision to eschew a penalty shot at goal.

Waikato’s riposte was swift and deadly, No 6 Jordan Manihera ploughing over for try No 6 of the season (in just three matches).

Auckland twice came close to scoring, but then lost loosehead prop Sam Prattley to a neck injury. However in his blazer game, Renata, who was strong in his set-piece and allround play, dived over for a try, his first for the union. He pulled out the famous Varsity Vipers sign.

Auckland had some disruption prior to kickoff, when replacement prop Dexter Fa’amoana was a late injury withdrawal. Isi Tu’ungafasi came onto the bench and won his 14th and blazer cap.

Coach Nick White cut a frustrated figure post-match, feeling there was enough good rugby played to win the game for Auckland, but there was not enough accuracy in the exit strategies and structures, nor discipline in the clutch.  

“The forwards played well… but we don’t have time to dwell on the negative,” he says.

“We don’t want all the injuries we have, but we are lucky we spent all the time with these new boys out of club rugby every Monday night since February. They are pretty well conditioned, so it’s good for them to get a taste of this level.”

He had praise for Tuipulotu, Renata and Kurt Eklund, in particular, in the pack. George Moala and TJ Faiane were more direct with their running in midfield.

Auckland will have less than four days to regroup before its Sunday Battle of the Bridge appointment against North Harbour in Albany. Waikato, too, have little time to reflect, hosting the Tasman Makos in the early Sunday clash.

- Campbell Burnes

Auckland 27 (Patrick Tuipulotu, Marcel Renata, Sione Havili tries; Jordan Trainor 3 con, 2 pen) Waikato 35 (Tyler Campbell, Jordan Manihera, Sevu Reece tries, penalty try; Matt Landsdown con, 3 pen, Sam Christie con) HT: 18-17 Waikato