This, when the brave Taranaki sided before Tamati Ellison five minutes before the home semifinal against the Southland had been secured.

The stoppage time try of Wellington’s Thomas Waldrom blew the score line to 50-30 but the frailty in this match is enough to disinherit Wellington with the Auckland’s title.

The ability of Lions to score points has always been certain but doubts about the team’s tendency to give after Taranaki easily shredded their defensive line.

With Hosea Gear back in his arrogant form, Wellington has always looked to have weapons and blast their chance to be out of trouble but Southland is heading on Friday night to Cake Tin planning to expose some hints when different teams meat head to head in the first semi finals.

The presence of Ma’a Nonu has given a little help to detract from the revived flakiness of Wellington but it was also his cut-out pass that Cory Jane to full back for the opener. Right after second five-eights, Taranaki replied and Willie Ripia and Jayden Hayward added a conversion and were penalized to put the guests ahead.

Wellington’s lead was restored when Jane crossed after connecting with the halfback Albie Matthewson. Ross Filipo and Gear then combined forces to send Nonu over.

Wellington got a score again from Filipo but it was cancelled out by the second score of Perez. Wellington then needed the late effort of Ellison to secure their way to the semifinals.