Rangataua easily account for Whakarewarewa

Rangataua fullback Pia Devon makes a break in her side's 55-10 win over Whakarewarewa on Sunday. Photo/Stuart Whitaker

Women's Rugby
Despite missing three Black Ferns away on international duty, Rangataua comfortably accounted for the visiting Whakarewarewa team on Sunday with a 55-10 win.

Rangataua coach Paul Pou was without Lesley Ketu, Kelly Brazier and Sarah Goss.

"With missing the Black Ferns from our team the challenge was there for others to step up and cement their places in the team. They did that I think.

"We stuck to our structure really well and the result was what we saw on the scoreboard. No disrespect to Whaka, I think they gave it to our girls, but our girls were just a little bit more hungry today."

Much of the damage was done with the forwards securing good possession for the backs.

"We talked about securing our ball and laying the platform in the forwards for our backs to have clean ball, and we had the speed on them out wide so it was about setting up properly and executing from the ball they provided with scoring opportunities."

It is Rangataua's first season in the Baywide Women's competition, and Pou said things are tracking above expectations.

"That shows the culture within the team is really good and as a result of that its attracting other players to come and play. This is new for this club, but they've got behind - there's been huge support from Rangataua Rugby Club".

Whaka coach Ron James took plenty of positives from the afternoon.

"None of their heads dropped, they kept going right to the end and that's a big thing," said James.

The red and blacks' ball retention was good throughout the game, but the homes side's defence largely stood firm and they managed to do more with the ball when they had it.

Pou will once again be without his Black Ferns players for next weekend's trip to Rotoiti as they will be involved in the Black Ferns v England game that is the curtain-raiser for the Maori All Blacks v British and Irish Lions Game at Rotorua International Stadium on Saturday.