Lima Sopoaga scores the winning try for Waikato against Auckland. Photo: Blake Armstrong/ActionPress
A late try to Lima Sopoaga has seen Waikato start their NPC campaign with a dramatic 36-35 victory over Auckland at Eden Park. The veteran first five, playing his first game in New Zealand for almost a decade, came on as a replacement in the second half and finished off a move he created to cap off a remarkable comeback that saw Waikato score four tries in the last 20 minutes.
Earlier, Auckland started brightly, with new captain Anton Segner opening the scoring in the 5th minute after a well-weighted cross kick. A second try followed soon after to Xavier Tito-Harris, giving the hosts an early 14-0 lead.
But Waikato worked their way back into the contest through direct forward play. Bailyn Sullivan and Manaaki Boyle-Tiatia scored in quick succession, before Auckland responded before halftime with a penalty, to lead 17-12 at the break.
The second half saw Auckland shoot out to what should have been a match winning lead. Tries to Tito-Harris and Payton Spencer saw them up by 32-12, however on the hour mark Waikato's comeback started through flanker Oli Mathis. Tepaea Cook-Savage crossed seven minutes later and then Rui Farrant drew them within a converted try of the lead.
Sopoaga scored with a minute left, with Aaron Cruden nailing the handy kick to give Waikato their first lead of the night. There was just enough time for Auckland to get in position for a Rico Simpson drop goal attempt, but it was charged down.
Waikato host Wellington next weekend while Auckland travel to face Canterbury in Christchurch.
Read how the match unfolded here:
