Rugby News, Analysis, History, Schedule, Rumours
Waikato’s Mitre 10 Cup season is still alive after a narrow 28-24 victory over Wellington, away at Westpac Stadium. In a match that Waikato needed to win in order to stay alive, the visitors had to battle to the very end. Waikato had a lot of attacking ball in the second half, but yet, it seemed unlikely […] READ MORE
Widely-touted as a star of the future, Damian McKenzie has survived his first appearance for the All Blacks and can now continue to grow into his role. Given 30-minutes on the field, McKenzie was able to experience the white-hot heat of test match rugby as an All Black. The game was already ‘in the bag’ at […] READ MORE
They say luck comes in ‘threes’ and the Mitre 10 Cup celebrated plenty this week. That is ‘hatrick of tries’ and four players obliterated the opposition; as well as the statistics, during Week Five Mitre 10 Cup action. Another ‘double-header’ week where Southland and Bay of Plenty began the arduous schedule Wednesday. So by Sunday afternoon, […] READ MORE
In a thrilling encounter, Waikato have retained the Ranfurly Shield after drawing with Taranki in Hamilton this evening. There was controversy late in this game. Returning All Black midfielder Seta Tamanivalu was penalized for an apparent late shoulder charge, as Waikato charged downfield. Referee Ben O’Keeffe denied a late try by Stephen Perofeta that would […] READ MORE
Waikato dug deep in their opening match of the Mitre 10 Cup, but the Tasman Makos were the better side on the day. The 24-19 result sees Sean Botherway’s men get nothing from the, match in terms of points on the table. A great try to Jordon Trainor saw Waikato go into halftime with the […] READ MORE
Waikato has successfully defended the Ranfurly Shield after beating a valiant North Harbour 26-15 in Hamilton this afternoon. To their absolute credit, North Harbour put on a hell of a showing at FMG Stadium, Waikato. Be it because they arrived in Hamilton a day before the game, or the fact that they were looking down […] READ MORE
Waikato has once again retained the Ranfurly Shield, but Sean Botherway’s men didn’t play like winners in their latest defence. Manawatu are off to a decent start in the Mitre 10 Cup, having secured two wins on the trot. But today, there was a lot more than just table points on offer. It was a sorry […] READ MORE
Michael Pulman is a contributor for Last Word On Rugby and writes regular content with a New Zealand focus. Beginning as a blogger on his own and through various other platforms, Mike has gone on to become a genuine sports reporter, covering NZ Rugby and all competitions domestic, and Internationally, as well as Cricket.