A heavy penalty count in the first half has bitten Harbour in the butt as impressive Waikato first five eighth Damian McKenzie kicked Waikato to a gritty 22-16 victory at QBE Stadium.
It was a case of déjà vu for Harbour fans who watched Steve Jackson’s men fall to Southland nine days earlier.
Harbour once again got off to a flying start. A dominant opening scrum got the home side in prime position to attack. Wing David Raikuna made the most of the wet conditions putting in a delicate chip kick towards Waikato’s line. A fumble by visiting fullback Albert Nikoro gave Raikuna a chance to pounce on the ball, and after consultation with the TMO the first try was awarded in the ninth minute.
The home side were unable to capitalise on the momentum however as penalties around the ruck began to creep in. Referee Glen Jackson continued to ping Harbour for being offside which gave ace goal kicker Damian McKenzie a chance to make some inroads. The New Zealand Under 20’s representative calmly converted his first four attempts at goal to give the visitors a 12-7 lead with ten minutes remaining in the first half.
Matt McGahan reduced the gap to 12-10 in the 34th minute, but just when the home side needed to hold Waikato out their defence finally faltered. The physical presence of big prop Ben Tameifuna was too much for Harbour, as the bulldozing front rower barged his over for the visitors’ first try of the night. A conversion from McKenzie extended Waikato’s lead to 19-10 as both sides headed to the sheds for halftime.
Whatever was said at the break worked initially for Harbour, as Matt McGahan reduced the gap to 19-16 with two penalties in quick succession.
With the home side ready to pounce, Jackson called on some fresh legs with the game heading into the final quarter. Daniel Halangahu replaced McGahan at first five, while the front row had new look to it with Ray Niuia and Adrian Smith coming on for James Parsons and Greg Pleasants-Tate.
When a cool head was required cracks began to show in Harbour’s armour. A shaky exit from inside the 22 led to Waikato possession in great territory. Continued pressure led to another penalty for Damian McKenzie who put the visitors ahead 22-16 with fifteen minutes remaining.
It was an all or nothing approach from Harbour as they gunned for their opening win of the ITM Cup campaign. With the deficit at just six points, captain Bryn Hall turned down the opportunity to kick for goal in the final ten opting instead to put the ball out and go for a try.
The home side were relentless in their attack but the visitors were equally as impressive on defence. Daniel Halangahu went close only to be held up over the line. In the next attack the home side went within inches of crossing under the posts only for Waikato to deny Harbour once more. The pendulum swung in Harbour’s favour however with Glen Jackson reaching for the pocket, sending try-scorer Ben Tameifuna on his way and leaving Waikato with 14 men for the remainder of the match.
Despite having the numerical advantage, Harbour were unable to capitalise. Waikato’s tireless defence as well as Harbour’s inaccuracies with the ball allowed the visitors to get out of jail and hold onto record their second win of the season.
Harbour coach Steve Jackson was left rueing the opening forty.
“Looking back, those 15 (Waikato) points in the first half are what killed us. We had the wind behind us in the second half, and continued to bomb the midfield with no chase line.
“It’s just stupid stuff from some of our players and they need to get out of it quick or they’ll be watching from the sidelines.”
Waikato coach Johnny Walters sympathised with Harbour’s situation, as they let another winnable match slip from their grasp.
“They have a great roster, a great coaching staff. It’s really hard to turn things round. Jacko’s trying to stamp his mark. Your supporters have got to stay patient and got to keep supporting them. These things take time but I’m sure it’ll happen.”
Next up for Harbour is Bay of Plenty who are also winless through two rounds of the ITM Cup.
Waikato 22 (Ben Tameifuna try; Damian McKenzie 5 pen, con) North Harbour 16 (David Raikuna try; Matt McGahan 3 pen, con).
NICK BEWLEY
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