North Harbour finally broke their winless streak when skipper Jimmy Gopperth steered them to a 15-10 win over Waikato in a fourth round Air NZ Cup rugby match at Albany today.

Both teams scored two tries each and it was Gopperth, an influential and calming presence, who proved the difference by kicking a penalty and a conversion.

Waikato counterpart, Stephen Donald, back from All Blacks duties looked rusty at times after recent weeks of minimal game time but scored a well contrived try in the first half and created the other for wing Tim Mikkelson in the second.

His effort was matched by Gopperth, who had a major part in both his side's tries.

While halfback Chris Smylie and lock Anthony Boric, back from international duty, were outstanding for North Harbour, it will be winger Viliame Waqaseduadua who deserves all the plaudits.

Waqaseduadua sparked a number of dangerous line breaks and his final effort of the game after Smylie had made the initial thrust, was rewarded with a try after Gopperth ducked down the blindside to off load to Richard Mahew for what turned out to be the winning try in the 60th minute.

Waikato, fielding a raw front row in the absence of regulars Nathan White (back), Craig West (pelvis) and Aled de Malmanche (ribs) struggled in the setpieces.

They would have hoped for a better performance from All Black Sione Lauaki but the big No 8 had a mixed game.

Lauaki produced a number of his trademark bullocking runs but was well off the pace in defence, allowing Gopperth to run round him to set up Harbour's first try scored by Anthony Tuitavake after a juggle of the ball in the 35th minute.

North Harbour's 10-5 lead at halftime was cancelled out after Waikato pounded away at the Harbour line from the resumption.

With the Harbour defence stretched, Donald slipped a pass to Mikkelson who was untouched as he crossed at the right corner.

Waikato, also searching for their first win of the competition after two losses and a 38-38 draw with Manawatu last weekend, were held at bay by a stout Harbour defence after Mayhew's score -- his second try in two games, having scored in the 31-38 loss to Bay of Plenty last weekend.

Waikato lock Toby Lynn was a game trier and was supported well by loose forwards Liam Messam and Faifili Levave but their desperation to get that elusive win was matched by Harbour.

Result of an Air NZ Cup rugby match played at North Harbour today:

North Harbour 15 (Anthony Tuitavake, Richard Mayhew tries; Jimmy Gopperth pen, con) Waikato 10 (Stephen Donald, Tim Mikkelson tries). Halftime: 10-5.