Waikato will face defending champions Tasman in next weekend’s NPC Premiership final.
Waikato beat Canterbury 17-14 in Rotorua in last night’s second semi-final, after Tasman upset Hawkes Bay in Napier.
The Mako led the Magpies 25-17 at half-time, with tries to hooker Andrew Makalio, sevens veteran Andrew Knewstubb and Fijian winger Timoci Tavatavanawai.
Hawke’s Bay were on the back foot early, but clawed back ground when Jonah Lowe, Tom Parsons and Marino Mikaele-Tu’u crossed before the break.
The visitors took the lead at 27-25 with 15 minutes remaining, lock Geoff Cridge’s try boosted by the reliable kicking of Lincoln McClutchie.
That lasted less than five minutes, an intercept try to centre Leicester Fainga’anuku and a Mitchell Hunt penalty securing the win for Tasman.
Earlier, Taranaki beat Southland 25-13 in Inglewood to claim hosting rights for next weekend’s Championship final against Otago.
