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The Counties Manukau Steelers and the Counties Energy Heat both suffered agonising one-point defeats to Waikato in Hamilton on Sunday.
At FMG Stadium, the Steelers were cruelly beaten 27–26 after the final siren when a penalty was awarded to the home side despite fullback Jackson Rainsford appearing trapped under opposition players at the ruck.
The decision denied the Steelers their first NPC win of the season, leaving them 0–3 after three rounds.
There were positives, however, with Dalton Papali’i outstanding in his first start for the province, while Peniasi Malimali and Adam Brash continued to impress.
“Obviously very gutting to lose after we fought our way back in control,” said coach Reon Graham.
“A lot of very positive signs, but we will continue to look for improvements so we can get that first win.”
Earlier in the day, the Heat were edged 27–26 in a thrilling Farah Palmer Cup clash.
Veteran playmaker Hazel Tubic had a chance to snatch victory with a late penalty goal, but her kick drifted wide after an otherwise superb performance with the boot.
“That one hurts,” admitted coach Glen Sharpe.
“We knew what Waikato would bring, but we let the little things slip – the effort areas, the discipline, the details. At this level, that’s the difference.
“Proud of the heart we showed, but we’ve got to own this one. It’s a tough lesson, but it’ll make us better.”
Both sides now look ahead to tough road trips next weekend, the Steelers face Otago in Dunedin, while the Heat take on Canterbury in Christchurch in a top-of-the-table clash.
