Mckenzie scores 33 points as Waikato thrash Wellington 53-28 in Mitre 10

Damian McKenzie scored 33 points as Waikato thrashed Wellington 53-28 in the Mitre 10 Cup last night.

McKenzie scored a try, kicked 5 conversions and 6 penalties.

Both Julian and Ardie Savea scored a try each for Wellington but it as not enough to avoid a thrashing.

[ Waikato halfback Xavier Roe had an excellent debut for the Mooloos.]

Meanwhile, former All Blacks captain Kieran Read’s return to New Zealand did not go as planned as his Counties Manukau was beaten 41-24 by Tasman.

The Tasman backline looked dangerous throughout the match with the likes Sevu Reece, Will Jordan and Mark Telea all in the starting lineup.

Hooker Andrew Makalio scored twice for Tasman while Shannon Frizel, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta and Leicester Faingaanuku scored a try each.

In other matches, Auckland beat Otago 38-6 while Canterbury defeated North Harbour 43-29.

[Ardie Savea was back with Wellington but couldn’t prevent the Lions from losing.]