Mitre 10 Cup: Tasman claim back to back premiership titles

Tasman have held on in a thrilling encounter to beat Auckland 13-12 in the Mitre 10 Cup Premiership final at Eden Park.  

After a real arm-wrestle over the 80 minutes, a late David Havili penalty goal clinched back-to-back titles for the Mako. 

The visitors came into form at the right time of the season, winning three of their last four coming into this contest. 

The first half was all about defence, with Auckland holding a 9-3 lead after 39 minutes, before the game swung in Tasman's favour.

The southerners struck just before halftime, when they forced Auckland captain Angus Ta'avao to the sin bin for repeated infringements, before the game's crucial moment came.  

After the siren had gone, hooker Quentin MacDonald crashed over from a lineout maul to score what turned out to be the game's only try to give Tasman a 10-9 lead at the break. 

Auckland come out fast for the second half and a Harry Plummer penalty goal put the home side back in front. 

Tasman had all the possession and territory in the second half, and were helped by yellow cards to Auckland to Ta'avao and fullback Zarn Sullivan.  

The Mako couldn't make all that pressure count, but in the 70th minute, their moment arrived, when Auckland offended at the breakdown. 

David Havili stepped up and nailed the kick to give Tasman their third Mitre 10 Cup title - one championship and two premierships - since 2006. 

Tasman 13 (MacDonald try; Havili 2 penalties & conversion) Auckland 12 (Plummer 3 penalties, Sullivan penalty)