Aaron Cruden got a good, close look at one game this weekend but it wasn't the one he originally planned on playing a part in.
Cruden was a water boy for Manawatu at Waikato Stadium today, after having been left behind in New Zealand by the All Blacks for missing the flight to Argentina.
What he witnessed was a game that turned into a penalty shootout. Only two points separated Manawatu and Waikato for most of the second half of their ITM Cup crossover match and it quickly developed into a game of moments, defined by discipline and clinical kicking.
Manawatu eventually won the battle 22-20, snatching victory from the throes of defeat with a 76th-minute penalty to cement their spot atop the ITM Cup Championship with their sixth win from eight games.
It was just reward for the Turbos, who were accurate in possession, controlled in defence and clutch with the boot.
Waikato were left to mull over the many chances they had to kill the game and the ill-discipline which ultimately resulted in the loss. It was the home side's fifth defeat from eight games and their hopes of catching the top four in the Premiership have quickly evolved from slim to none.
Waikato were in the drivers' seat with nine minutes left when Manawatu lock Michael Fitzgerald was sent to the sin bin and Damian McKenzie slotted his fifth penalty to put the Mooloos in front by one. But then it all fell apart.
Two minutes later Waikato prop Josh Hohneck infringed at the ruck and was also sent to the bin but, more importantly, coughed up a kickable penalty. Impressive Manawatu substitute Otere Black coolly slotted the kick from the touchline, met by groans all around Waikato Stadium.
McKenzie had the opportunity to be the hero in the 78th minute, but shanked his attempt from 40m and Manawatu then held on in a frenetic final phase with some desperate goal line defence.
It's the third Premiership team the Turbos have beaten this season and they are starting to look a picture of consistency.
Their best moment came in the 47th minute when Jason Emery finished off a patient, decisive Manawatu buildup to score their only try of the game and take the lead for the first time. The Turbos try to play the game at pace and with a little fine-tuning would have had a few more tries.
Waikato's squad is very young and a little more experience might have got them over the line. Hairy No 8 Adam Burn is only 21 but is one of Waikato's senior members and put in a good shift in his blazer match (his 18th for Waikato).
Waikato's most dangerous weapon, Joe Webber, scored their only try in the 16th minute, touching down out wide after a slick build-up, for his eighth try in eight games.
Manawatu 22 (Jason Emery try; Jade Te Rure 2 pen, 1 con; Otere Black 3 pen), Waikato 20 (Joe Webber try; Damian McKenzie 5pen).
