Paikea break new ground in Australia

WINNERS: Paikea won the under-13 section of the 24th Gold Coast Rugby Carnival. They are, standing (from left): Adam-Junior Williams, José Taitua, Leonard Kawenga-Grey, Eugene Paul, Roimata Turei-Douglas, Te Ratu Walker, Kerry Hohepa, Jordyn Tihore, Tumatauenga Kururangi, Tamati Kururangi and Tangaroa Kururangi. Front: Karauria Ruwhiu, Jackson Tihi, Zane Reid, Paul Manori, Cyene Tahuri, Cameron Randall, Jeremiah Robinson, Maui Kururangi (captain) and Josh-Joziah Keelan-Andzue. Picture supplied

Fantastic — that word fairly describes the Paikea club’s ground-breaking exploits in Queensland, Australia, last week.

In Paikea’s first 15-a-side foray overseas they won the under-13 section of the 24th Gold Coast Rugby Carnival.

Three months of preparation bore fruit as the Maurice Kururangi-coached Paikea won six games out of six from July 8 to 12.

They beat Helensvale 102-0, Coolangatta 31-17, Newington 22-5, Surfers Paradise 33-21, Poneke 72-0 and, in the grand final, defending champions Coolangatta 28-23.

Over 60 teams in six divisions competed at the Runaway Bay Sports Precinct.

The Paikea u13s “Barbarian Award” was won by captain and No.8 Maui Kururangi but other players also showed skill and courage last week. Ten-year-olds Te Ratu Walker (left wing) and Tamati Kururangi (right wing) tackled superbly.

Twelve-year-old Maui hit the big Coolangatta forwards so hard in the first meeting that after Game 2, coach Kururangi heard from his opposite that the defence of the Paikea captain had put the 2017 champions off their game.

“Our parents made a massive effort to raise funds and support these kids,” former Rangitira back Kururangi said.

“All of them played well. Cyene Tahuri (second five-eighth), Roimata Turei-Douglas (centre), Jordyn Tihore (leftwing) were outstanding. Poneke and ourselves were the only u13 teams with girls in our teams.”

Paikea’s three-pod system, a mix of forwards and backs, designed by former Black Fern Trish Hina, allowed Paikea to take advantage of their quickness, turning defence into attack, whereas Kururangi’s system (with an all-backs third pod) drew and committed Coolangatta, creating space — at times, a five-on-one overlap.

“The support of the parents here and their extended families in Australia made my job easier and meant a great deal to all of us,” said Kururangi, whose manager Amy Kururangi, adult support AJ Baker and Casey Kururangi, tour organisers Hina and Amoe Tarsau all played invaluable roles in the team’s success.

“All of the kids picked up game by game, mentally and physically. They realised their strength and their confidence grew. I was proud of them.”

Amy Kururangi said: “We’d like to acknowledge the Horouta Sports club, who allowed us to play for them during the JAB season at u13 level as Horouta Gold in both the u56-kilogram grade on Wednesdays, and the open grade on Saturdays. They gave us the opportunity to participate and develop.”

Under-13 division-winning Paikea captain Maui Kururangi said: “It was tough competition, especially from the Australian teams — but we stuck to our game-plan and played good rugby. It was an awesome experience.”

Paikea’s next overseas campaign begins on Thursday, with two under-18 girls’ teams travelling to Noumea, New Caledonia.