The second half was an intense battle, with both teams scoring early, and at one stage Manawatū led 4-2 with five minutes to play. Counties Manukau fought back to level the scores 4-all, so with the scores tied at the end of regulation time, the game proceeded to a drop off. Teams were reduced to four players and the game was restarted for another 2 minutes. During this time no-one could score, so each side was reduced to three players and the golden point rule instigated. Counties Manukau attacked hard first, nearly scoring on a sprint to the wing, however Manawatū’s Madison Hadfield made a try saving dive to make the touch.