Lions pounce at the death

Game, set and match: Thomas Waldrom breaks North Harbour hearts

Wellington escaped Albany's North Harbour Stadium with a 30-27 Air New Zealand Cup win over a gallant North Harbour side that was robbed of victory with just 90 seconds of the match remaining on Thursday.

The hosts held a commanding 24-10 half-time lead, but Wellington's relentless second half pressure finally saw number eight Thomas Waldrom cross over in the corner to give his side their second four-try bonus point win.

Whether the visitors from the New Zealand capital deserved their win after being 14 points behind at the break is debatable, but they did enough to validate their status as tournament favourites with a victory despite not being at their best - a true sign of a good team.

Former Wellington pivot Jimmy Gopperth led his side with a flawless night with the boot, while the Tuitavake brothers also produced moments of brilliance. But it was the Lions' skipper, Piri Weepu who inspired his side to the unlikely win by leading the way with a personal haul of fifteen points.

Despite a costly 40th minute blunder it was the recalled All Black scrum-half who was in the thick of it - creating three tries and then scoring one himself.

Wellington started the match with a roar and a hiss, but almost immediately lost their way after New Zealand U20 pivot, Daniel Kirkpatrick, damaged his AC joint which ulitmately loosened the Lions grip on the opening exchanges.

Weepu was forced to direct proceedings at fly-half in Kirkpatrick's absence and this was the catalyst for an opening 10 minutes dominated by unforced turnovers.

After a fumbling start by both sides it took a piece of opportune play to break open the shackles.

Gopperth nudged a perfectly judged kick to the wing of Tu Umaga-Marshall who was greeted with a cruel bounce which left his opposite number, Nafi Tuativake, with an easy stroll in for his first Air New Zealand Cup try.

Five minutes later his brother, All Blacks winger Anthony, affirmed his national role as he made a bone-crunching tackle when the Lions threatened to score on the counter-attack.

Wellington threatened on numerous occasions after creating turnover play but lacked the final execution to take full advantage, but they finally got on the board through a Weepu penalty in the 21st minute.

Finally the Lions strung a few phases together and unleashed Hosea Gear on the left hand flank who was dragged to ground 10 metres out.

With the Harbour defence in tatters it was simply a formality for rangy lock, Api Naikantini, to canter through untouched to score next to the post.

Weepu added the extras and suddenly they had a 10-7 lead but it wouldn't last for long.

Moments later from an attacking scrum Anthony Tutiavake again demonstrated his twinkle-toes act to get on the outside of Waldrom and then miraculously off-load to his sibling Nafi who was able to reach out and score in the corner.

Gopperth converted from the sideline and then added another 43 metre penalty in the 37th minute to give Harbour a deserved 17-10 lead.

On the stroke of half-time and with Wellington hot on attack, Vili Waqaseduadua intercepted a Weepu pass that left the flying Fijian winger bolting up field and left all in his wake.

Dangerous full-back Cory Jane did not emerge after the half-time interval as he nursed sore ribs, robbing the visitors of a major attacking weapon.

But it was Weepu who popped a sharp inside pass to hooker Dane Coles just five minutes into the second spell before the front rower showed remarkable speed on a 24-metre surge to the tryline.

Wellington began to assert themselves despite Gopperth landing his fifth goal-kick from as many attempts as his second penalty left North Harbour leading 27-17 midway through the half.

Weepu then dragged his team to within two points when he shrugged off an attempted tackle by Gopperth after a five metre scrum to score a try. He then landed a penalty to make the difference 25-27 with 11 minutes remaining.

Last year's beaten finalists were ultimately rewarded with just over one minute left on the clock when Waldrom made the decisive score after he stormed over in the corner to break Harbour hearts.

Wellington's comeback owed much to the confidence within the side to right any wrongs, and they did just that.

The scorers:

For North Harbour:

Tries:: N.Tuitavake 2, Waqaseduadua

Cons: Gopperth 3

Pens: Gopperth 2

For Wellington:

Tries: Lilo, Coles, Weepu, Waldrom

Cons: Weepu 2

Pens: Weepu

North Harbour: 15 George Pisi, 14 Vili Waqaseduadua, 13 Anthony Tuitavake, 12 Mike Harris, 11 Nafi Tuitavake, 10 Jimmy Gopperth (c), 9 Chris Smylie, 8 Vili Maafu, 7 Robbie Colhoun, 6 Tom Chamberlain, 5 Martin Purdy, 4 Chris Smith, 3 Sam Biddles, 2 James Hinchco, 1 James Afoa.

Replacements: 16 James Parsons, 17 Michael Reid, 18 Richard Mayhew, 19 Malakai Ravulo, 20 Matt France, 21 Josh York, 22 Hayden Abercrombie.

Wellington Lions: 15 Cory Jane, 14 Tu Umaga-Marshall, 13 Tamati Ellison, 12 Michael Hobbs, 11 Hosea Gear, 10 Daniel Kirkpatrick, 9 Piri Weepu (c), 8 Thomas Waldrom, 7 Serge Lilo, 6 Chris Masoe, 5 Api Naikatini, 4 Jeremy Thrush, 3 John Schwalger, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Jacob Ellison.

Replacements: 16 Ged Robinson, 17 Tim Fairbrother, 18 Chris Middleton, 19 Victor Vito, 20 Alby Mathewson, 21 Tane Tu'ipulotu, 22 Buxton Popoali'i.

Referee: Bryce Lawrence

TMO: Ben Skeen