Hutana said blindside flanker Wiremu Taufa-King and prop Joe Mason made huge yardage with the ball, and the Bay forwards were aggressive in defence, especially around the fringes of the ruck.
“Thanks to our locks, Ofa Tauatevalu and Sione Kinuia, we won all of our own lineout ball and stole three of theirs — even though they had a taller back row,” Hutana said.
Right-winger Moses Christie, No.8 and most valuable player Billy Priestley and prop Kelepi Tamale scored tries for the Bay, with vice-captain and first five-eighth Austin Brown converting Tamale’s try.
Christie has now scored five tries in three games. Poverty Bay had more possession and better field position for much of the game, with both teams kicking for territory.
Courageous Bay fullback Luke Bird was safe and secure under the high ball — “exceptional”, in the opinion of Manawatu referee Sam Couper, who was impressed by not just the handling skills of both teams but also their discipline.
Talented first-five Desmond Tyrell, Wanganui’s MVP, converted a try by openside flanker Jason Myres and also kicked two penalties to give Wanganui a 13-12 lead at the break. Tyrell kicked a penalty and Myres scored again in the second half.
The captains propped against each other — loosehead Joe Hazelhurst for the home team against Poverty Bay’s Joe Mason.
Hutana regards Mason as a “follow me, boys” type of captain who sets the tone for effort.
Wanganui coach Danny Tamehana was impressed by Priestley’s skills and powerful running.
“Both teams showed little regard for the miserable conditions and our resilience won us the game,” Tamehana said.
“It was hard-fought to the bitter end.”
For Poverty Bay, the final whistle was bittersweet. Tamale scored his try to the right of the posts on full time.
Mason said: “Conditions were against us, but we ran strongly and made our tackles. It was a good game.”
