Waikato hold off fast-finishing Bay of Plenty in NPC

A massive start by Waikao in the opening match of NPC 2026 to lead Bay of Plenty 35-0 after 40 minutes.

But the second spell was all the Steamers as they took the game to the home side in Hamilton scoring 26 points to three to almost steal a win.

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However, Waikato were able to eventually hold on to win 38-26.

Bay of Plenty’s second-half fightback was enough to earn them a bonus point for scoring four tries thanks to Cole Forbes, Rile Hohepa and two for Veveni Lasaqa.

Waikato celebrate one of their tries in their win over BOP in the opening round of the Hilux NPC PHOTO: NEW ZEALAND RUGBY

Earlier Waikato crossed for tries by Dan Sinkinson, Taha Kemara. Oli Mathis,

Waisake Salabiau and Nathan Stephens.

Kemara also converted all five tries while Austrin Anderson kicked the vital penalty midway through the second half for the home side.

Waikato travel to New Plymouth to face Taranaki in Round 2, while the Steamers return home looking to bounce back when they host Northland at Rotorua International Stadium