Updated: 6:54am – Wellington will return to domestic rugby’s top flight next year for the first time since 2014 after holding off Bay of Plenty in an extra time Championship final thriller in Wellington.
The Lions eventually saw off Bay of Plenty 59- 45 after 100 minutes of hard fought rugby to take the Rugby Championship title.
The Lions appeared to move out to a comfortable 28 -14 lead midway through the first half but Bay of Plenty stormed back with two tries to winger Joe Webber.
The visitors charge opened up a 16 try match which saw both sides locked up at 40- all at full time after Wellington’s Jackson Garden-Bachop failed to land a last-minute penalty to snatch the game in the 80th minute.
The Lions scored three tries during extra time to eventually see off Bay of Plenty 59-45 and win their way back into domestic Premiership Competition for the first time since 2014.
Canterbury host Tasman in the Premiership final in Christchurch tonight.
-RNZ
Featured Image: Lions Julian Savea celebrates a try with team mates Photo: Photosport
