ITM Cup - Round 8
Waikato upset Canterbury
ESPNscrum Staff
August 11, 2011
Waikato fly-half Stephen Donald looks to spread the ball wide, Counties Manukau v Waikato, ITM Cup, Bayer Growers Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand, August 7, 2011
Stephen Donald was in imperious form for Waikato © Getty Images
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Players/Officials: Beauden Barrett | Stephen Donald
Tournaments/Tours: ITM Cup

Waikato upset hosts Canterbury with a resounding 27-13 win in Christchurch on Wednesday.

It was the first time Waikato have beaten Canterbury in Christchurch in 12 seasons and the visitors shocked the hosts with a four-try blitz in the first-half - with prop Toby Smith, lock Toby Lynn, wing Tim Mikkelson and centre Richard Kahui all crossing. Canterbury notched a scrappy first half try through No.8 Nasi Manu but failed to raise their game after the break while Waikato were content to sit on their lead after Donald struck another penalty.

Elsewhere on Wednesday, Wellington smashed Northland 43-19 to breathe some life back into their stuttering campaign. The homeside enjoyed recalling the likes of All Blacks duo Hosea Gear and Cory Jane to their ranks and Wellington prevailed scoring six tries in the process. The Lions were 22-6 up at half-time thanks to tries from Alapati Leiua (twice) and one from Frae Wilson. And the home side did not have to wait long in the second-half to secure their bonus point win with Faifili Levave crossing the line thanks to good work from Jane.

All Blacks reject Victor Vito soon got in on the act and fellow replacement Dane Coles added his side's sixth try taking advantage of TJ Perenara's popped pass. Northland secured a consolation try with Jared Payne picking off an intercept pass to run 80 metres for his try.

Beauden Barrett kicked 29 points - including a record nine penalties - as Taranaki overcame Bay of Plenty 39-33 in New Plymouth on Tuesday night. The former New Zealand U20s fullback's haul helped Taranaki move temporarily into second place on 19 points, but a brace of bonus points ensured that the Steamers extended their lead at the Premiership summit despite defeat.

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