The Auckland Under 19 A team have fallen short in the Graham Mourie Cup final in Taupo, losing to Waikato 25-22 to finish as tournament runners-up.

Auckland was on the wrong side of a large penalty count which proved the difference in the end, Waikato converting six shots at goal but scoring just one try to Auckland’s three.

While often dominant at set piece, Auckland was not able to capitalise on the platform set by the forwards but would have been pleased with their defensive efforts.

Waikato came out of the blocks firing, controlling early possession and territory and going in front 16-0.

In this time Auckland first five-eighths Olle Polson did have two shots at goal but he was uncharacteristically off target.

When Auckland finally got the ball at the right end of the park the result was fruitful. The big Auckland forwards created an unstoppable line out drive which saw Jerry Samania dive over for the points. Polson converted to cut Waikato’s led to 16-7 late in the first half.

Not long after Samania’s try scoring deeds he was shown a yellow card, after what the referee deemed as continual Auckland infringements. Waikato kicked the ensuing penalty and went into the break leading 19-7.

The teams traded penalties early in the second before Auckland launched a late attack.

It was replacement winger Wesley Tamiefuna that provided the go forward, a great kick chase and tackle saw Tamiefuna steal the turn over. From there the forwards rumbled up before Wiseguy Faiane put a neat grubber through the defensive line that Loketi Manu collected for the try.

Faiane’s conversion narrowed the deficit to five points with ten minutes to play.

Waikato responded with a penalty which put the score back out to 25-17 but Auckland wasn’t done.

Another well worked try by the forwards saw Charles Napa’a go over, Auckland running back to half way eager to get the ball back in hand.

While it looked like Adrian Choat had won a turnover after the hooter to give Auckland hope of stealing the late victory, instead the referee called a penalty which ended the match.

Earlier in the day the Auckland Under 19 Bs won their play off for seventh, marking an impressive turnaround from 16th in 2015.

New Zealand Under 20 selections will be expected next month.