The Waikato Rugby team have started off 2009 with a defeat, going down 6-16 to Southland in Invercargill. The first loss to Southland since 2003. The game was tied 3-3 at half time, the only try of the second half coming to Southland after 54 minutes to Pehi Te Whare. Callum Bruce scored two penalties to be the leading Waikato points scorer of 2009.What we thought: The mongrel attacks and smothering defence of Southland, aided by the venue and intimidation, including a night game meant the result was tight and wasn't really decided until five minutes to go when Waikato seemed incapable of breaking the Southland defence. In other related results Canterbury also lost 19-22 to North Harbour and Hawkes Bay lead the competition after thumping Auckland 47-13.
Where we went wrong: Despite plenty of play and ball we couldn't make it count. In the first half we should have score more points than three - and in the end some of the players looked stifled by the Southland defence. Callum Bruce looked out of his depth on numerous occasions.
What about the referee: Completely out of his depth allowing Southland to be offside at practically every opportunity. The absence of the TMO this year while speeding the games up will also mean that many important decisions are missed. There's not going to be many teams to make the trip down South and play in that atmosphere and come away with points.
Where to from here: We absolutely must win against Manawatu and win with authority. Nothing less than a bonus point try and a decent points hall against Manawatu will do. We will be there in force on Saturday for the first home game of the season.
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