Magpies shine in rout

NZPA - Saturday, October 24, 2009 5:32 PM

Hawkes Bay 32 Northland 13

Auckland's season is over, but they can still play a major part in determining the provincial rugby championship's semi-final drama.

Victories by Hawkes Bay and Wellington last night have left Waikato, who play Auckland in Hamilton today, needing a bonus point win in the final Air New Zealand round match to take them into a semi-final against Canterbury in Christchurch.

Wellington, who edged out Tasman by 22-14 last night, will host Southland in the other semifinal.

A late, spectacular Hawkes Bay try to their big No 8 Thomas Waldrom secured the Magpies the bonus point against Northland in Whangarei.

The regular season could come to a tense and thrilling climax at the impressive Waikato Stadium.

Waikato can tonight draw level with Hawkes Bay in fourth position on the table, and would leap ahead of them by virtue of having won their sixth-round battle in Hamilton.

But the pressure will be on Waikato from the outset, knowing they need four tries, which in turn could open up opportunities for Auckland.

Hawke's Bay: Kupa, Taumalolo, Lowe, Waldrom tries; Berquist 2 pen, 3 con
Northland: Munro try; Munro 2 pen, con
Halftime: 20-6