Dunedin premier rugby - semifinals sorted

Taieri has breezed into the semifinals with a comfortable 43-20 win against University at Peter Johnstone Park today.

The Eels are unbeaten this season, but met with some stiff resistance early.

The visitors led 13-5, but the defending champions scored either side of the halftime break to seize control of the match.

Veteran lock Brodie Hume had a storming second half and centre Mitchell Scott exploited some weak defence to help get his side on the front foot in the midfield.

No 8 Sam Fischli put in a solid shift as well.

They will host Dunedin in the semifinal, who were upset 41-32 by Southern at Kettle Park.

The Magpies led 22-5 at the break and edged further ahead. They dominated up front and won a lot of turnover ball.

Kaikorai and Harbour do battle at Watson Park in Port Chalmers. Photo: Gregor Richardson
Kaikorai and Harbour do battle at Watson Park in Port Chalmers. Photo: Gregor Richardson

Dunedin scored three late tries to cut the deficit and advanced to the semifinals as the highest ranked loser.

Kaikorai snatched a 29-28 win against Harbour at Watson Park and will host Southern in the other semi.

Kaikorai burst out of the blocks, scoring four tries in the opening 30 minutes and led 26-7 at the break.

Harbour coped two yellow cards in the first spell, which dented its prospects.

But the Hawks boosted its front row with a couple of Super Rugby props in the second half and roared back to take a 28-26 lead.

But Nic Proffit drilled a penalty from in front with about four minutes remaining to seal the win for Kaikorai. 

The scores: 

Taieri 43-20 University Fulltime

Dunedin 32-41 Southern Fulltime

Harbour 28-29 Kaikorai Fulltime