Des Hasler‘s Titans finally secured their first win of 2024 after a series of close losses, defeating the Warriors 27-24 in a hard-fought battle at Go Media Stadium in Auckland. Despite trailing 12-0 early in the game, AJ Brimson and David Fifita led the Titans to victory, breaking a six-game losing streak.
The Warriors struck first with Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad scoring off a penalty against Titans centre Brian Kelly for a dangerous tackle. Shaun Johnson‘s conversion put the Warriors ahead 6-0. Addin Fonua-Blake powered through Kieran Foran for a second try, extending the lead to 12-0.
The Titans hit back with a long-range try from Brimson off a pass from Kelly. Tanah Boyd then scored, converting his own try to level the score at 12-12. In the 38th minute, Fifita powered over the line to give the Titans an 18-12 lead going into halftime.
Boyd extended the Titans‘ lead with a field goal early in the second half. Kelly then set up Khan-Pereira for a try, putting the Titans up 23-12. Despite a disallowed try for the Warriors, the Titans continued to dominate with Brimson scoring his second try off a pass from Fifita.
Fonua-Blake and Berry scored quick tries for the Warriors, bringing them within three points at 27-24. Johnson’s high kicks kept the pressure on, but the Titans held strong in defence to secure the win. Kelly’s crucial play in defusing a bomb in the final minutes sealed the Titans‘ victory, ending their losing streak and boosting morale for the team.