Reece in possession

Kirikiri takes it up, Turned by Waikato and Sweeney is off

Turbo's struggling to get into the game as Waikato keep the pressure on

Waikato drive over for their 2nd

Waikato up in the Turbo's half

Great hands and break by Matt Lansdown as they open up the scoring early through Sevu Reece

Welcome to this Championship Round 1 cash as the Turbo's host Waikato.The visitors were relegated out of the Premiership competition last year and will be looking to get straight back up while the home side had an average year and will be looking to get a better start to the season

Biggest Manawatu score: 54 in Palmerston North 20.08.2011 (ITMC)
Biggest Waikato score: 52 in Palmerston North 27.03.1993
Biggest differential: Waikato by 37 (52-15) in Palmerston North 27.03.1993

Previous Encounters:

Played: 29, 1921-2017 | Manawatu wins: 7 | Waikato wins: 20 | Draws: 2