Waikato have struck late to secure a 34-20 win over Counties Manukau in their National Provincial Championship clash in Pukekohe on Friday.
The hosts were bolstered by the return of All Blacks stars, with Nepo Laulala, Dalton Papalii and Hoskins Sotutu featuring for the hosts, while Damian McKenzie pushed his claims for a return to test level with an industrious night.
McKenzie wasn't completely on top of his game but sparked his team's second-half surge to clinch victory as the game came to life in the second half, highlighted by Sotutu's deft flick pass offload to Cameron Roigard to open the scoring.
With the score locked at 20-20 with 10 minutes to play, Waikato made Counties pay for an overthrown lineout, with Rys Marshall offloading to substitute halfback Xavier Roe to score.
Wing Mosese Dawai added the finishing touch with a try in the corner in the final minute to keep his side undefeated through their three opening games of the season.
Waikato 34 (Laghlan McWhannell, Ollie Norris, Xavier Roe, Mosese Dawai tries; Damian McKenzie 4 con, 2 pen) Counties Manukau 20 (Zuriel Togiatama, Cameron Roigard tries; Riley Hohepa 2 pen, 2 con). HT: 10-10.
