Picked in tournament team

TURNING ON THE GAS: Poverty Bay fullback Braedyn Grant (right) strides out against Manawatu in the Hurricanes under-16 rugby tournament in Whanganui on Thursday. Manawatu fullback Toroa Rapana comes across to try to make the tackle. Manawatu won the match 23-5. Pictures supplied

POVERTY Bay loose forward Jordan McFarlane-Rofe was selected in the 2017 Hurricanes under-16 tournament rugby team in Whanganui this week.

McFarlane-Rofe played No.8 in Poverty Bay’s Division A third/fourth playoff against Manawatu on Thursday.

The Bay lost 23-5, although the scoreline did not reflect the threat Poverty Bay posed. Both teams were affected by injuries and fatigue.

Poverty Bay openside flanker and captain Dylan Hall, 16, was named his side’s MVP (most valuable player) for the fourth straight game. His work over the ball at breakdown drew comment, as did the speed of centre Campbell Hall.

The Bay squad comprised 23 players from Gisborne Boys’ High School, two from Lytton High School and one from Campion College.

Coach Tuki Sweeney said it was a privilege to work with them.

East Coast coach Dave Newton, assistant coach Warren Henderson and manager Frankie Tihore were proud of their team, for their conduct on and off the field.

The Coast lost their Division B fifth/sixth playoff with Horowhenua Kapiti 53-3 after being down 19-3 at halftime.

Newton said it was his team’s best performance of the tournament. They won all of their own scrums and lineouts.

Horowhenua Kapiti coach Johnnie Saunders said the game was played in good spirit by two “exhausted and battered” teams.

Coast standout players were halfback and captain Te Aho Haenga, tighthead prop Tremain Cannell and left-winger Rawhiti Ngata.

Players to leave the field as a precautionary measure following contact were No.8 Porourangi Poutu, first five-eighth Rewiti Fisher and right-winger Karaitiana Kenworthy.