Poverty Bay cop the backlash

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RUGBY

That explains everything.

The Wellington under-16s hit Poverty Bay like a Mack truck at the start of yesterday’s Division A game in the Hurricanes Youth Rugby Council tournament . . . for good reason.

They had been 17-0 down at the 20-minute mark against Manawatu in Levin in their first competition game, and although Wellington won that match 34-24, head coach Willie Leota wanted no repeat of that opening.

Wellington beat Poverty Bay 71-12, the Bay’s player of the day, replacement right wing Bryan Howard, scoring two second-half tries with one conversion by first five-eighth Anaru Paenga-Morgan.

“Our focus was a fast start but Poverty Bay were good up front and they fought back — there wasn’t much between the sides in the second half,” said Leota, who was impressed by Poverty Bay reserve lock Max Briant’s strength at the lineout.

The big Year 10 student also featured in general play, with blindside flanker Lochi Mead likewise winning excellent ball.

Poverty Bay doubled their scrum-effort in the second half, loosehead prop Kitini Taihuka to the fore there.

Also outstanding was Bay centre Whetu King-Taufa, who showed impressive pace and skills.

Wellington fullback Leyton Tapa scored two tries in a classic 22-point performance.

Second-five Riley Higgins (two tries), halfback Luke Walmsley (one try, two conversions) and blindside flanker Ronaldo Seumanufagai, first-five Oryann Kalolo, centre Sione Halilo, right wing Kilifi Malangahu, reserve halfback Tana Rangiwhetu and replacement fullback Owen Wright also scored tries for Wellington.

“It was a ferocious struggle,” Poverty Bay manager Keith Henderson said.

“Our boys played with extreme grit and character.”