Tūranganui-a-Kiwa had a bye to finish Day 2 and suffered their only tournament loss — 11-4 to Auckland — at the start of Day 3, but got right back up on the horse with an 8-5 win against Counties-Manukau to finish their campaign.
Tūranganui-a-Kiwa finished third behind Pool B winners Bay of Plenty, with Auckland in second place and Counties-Manukau taking the spot Tūranganui-a-Kiwa occupied two years ago: 13th of 13.
The players trusted the playing systems that the coaching team had developed and their growing confidence could be seen in their willingness to throw the long ball to the girls out wide: the girls' tally was 17 tries.
The team, well-led by Quaydon Chaffey-Kora, scored 50 tries. Their MVP (most valuable player) was Kahurangi Leach-Waihi and runner-up to the MVP was Shelley Rangihuna.
About 4000 spectators watched the 1100 competitors in action.
Tour manager Henry Lamont said: “Our best game was the first one against Counties-Manukau, because the team made history with their first ever win.”
Cyclone Gabrielle forced the travelling party to stay put for another four days. Having been based at Arcady Hall for their first week away, they then received support from Ngai Tahu, Touch NZ, Rehua Marae, Nga Hau e Whā Marae and Christchurch City Council to help with accommodation and expenses due to the national state of emergency.
As the travelling party included people with family in Te Karaka and Tokomaru Bay, the lack of communication was stressful.
However, the presence of parents such as Tim and Julie Beattie and Nadia Taare — plus the closeness of a group who had banded together for fundraising, a leadership programme, health promotions and sponsorship events — got them through it smiling, though relieved to be home. The team had lived and breathed touch for six weeks before the tourney and raised $1800 each to travel.
