South Canterbury have sealed a spot in the Heartland Championship semifinals with two rounds left in the regular season.
It was a hard-fought 28-24 win over Horowhenua Kapiti at Eden Park, Auckland, after leading 21-12 at the break.
It was the first time South Canterbury had played at Eden Park since 1979 when they were in the first division
The win also stretched South Canterbury’s unbeaten recordbreaking streak to 37 games in the Heartland Championship.
The Green and Blacks remain four points clear of Whanganui, who beat Wairarapa Bush 56-17, while Thames Valley thrashed Buller 84-14 to stay third, two points further back.
If both the Butcher Boys and Swamp Foxes win their final two round robin games to face off in one semifinal, South Canterbury should seal top spot, likely facing Mid Canterbury as the other contender for fourth spot is King Country, who still have to face Whanganui.
Mid Canterbury outlasted North Otago 28-21 after the sides were tied 14-all at halftime in Oamaru.
At Eden Park, South Canterbury dominated proceedings but errors cost the side against a fired-up Horowhenua Kapiti side, who played above their sixth-placed standing.
South Canterbury blew about four tries but still managed to dot down four times with hooker Hika Elliot, second five Paula Fifita and wings Lisiate Folau and Peala Matakaiono. First five Sam Briggs converted three with Willie Wright landing the fourth.
Morrison Vaisola made his debut to become the 1442nd player to represent South Canterbury.
South Canterbury coach Nigel Walsh said his side started well but the intensity and focus fell off at times.
‘‘We left at least four tries out there and to their credit Horowhenua Kapiti certainly came at us and were up for the occasion.’’
Walsh was relaxed at where the side was as they built towards the semifinals.
‘‘If we weren’t creating opportunities I would be worried.’’
Walsh said stand-in captain Tokoma’ata Fakatava led from the front and was well supported by his fellow front rowers Taufa Hala’ufia and Elliot.
‘‘Peala Matakaiono carried well on the wing and finished off his opportunities.’’
South Canterbury host East Coast on Saturday at the newly revamped Fraser Park.
Walsh said with their unbeaten run they certainly had a target in their backs.
‘‘Everyone is after us and that certainly keeps the boys focused.
‘‘The boys from the Ngati Porou would like nothing better than to spoil our party so will certainly keep us honest.’’
The game kicks off at 2.30pm with entry by gold coin or better.
Results (round 6)
South Canterbury 28, Horowhenua Kapiti 24; Mid Canterbury 28, North Otago 21; King Country 49, Poverty Bay 15; West Coast 37, East Coast 19; Whanganui 56, Wairarapa Bush 17; Thames Valley 84, Buller 14.
Championship points
South Canterbury 30, Whanganui 26, Thames Valley 24, Mid Canterbury 20, King Country 18, Horowhenua Kapiti, West Coast 16, East Coast 15, Buller 10, North Otago 9, Wairarapa Bush 7, Poverty Bay 5.
