11 Sep 2016

Waikato, Canterbury notch up wins

7:57 pm on 11 September 2016

Waikato have beaten Auckland 35-32 in a tough-fought Mitre 10 Cup rugby clash in Auckland.

Tawera Kerr-Barlow of Waikato puts in a kick in Mitre 10 Cup match against Auckland

Tawera Kerr-Barlow of Waikato puts in a kick in Mitre 10 Cup match against Auckland Photo: Photosport

The visitors started off strong, scoring two tries and a penalty before Auckland hit back with two tries of their own when Waikato's Loni Uhila was sent off the field for a yellow card offence.

But in the second half Waikato dominated the play, scoring three tries in 15 minutes.

Auckland scored two late tries to pull themselves back into contention, but it was too little too late.

Earlier, Canterbury thrashed Hawke's Bay 63-7 in their Mitre 10 Cup match in Christchurch.

The home side ran in eight tries to Hawke's Bay's one - with Rob Thompson the only player to cross the line twice - to stay at the top of the Premiership standings.

The Magpies, who are yet to win a match, remain on the bottom of ladder.

- RNZ