‘Tune-up’ has lessons for Coast

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

NGATI Porou East Coast coach Willie Waitoa says his team got a “tune-up” in their 42-26 loss to Thames Valley in Waihi on Saturday.

“We learned a few lessons which won’t do us any harm getting ready to play Poverty Bay (in the opening round of the Heartland Championship) on Saturday,” said Waitoa, who is in his first year as a Heartland coach.

“I took 26 players to Waihi with the intention of giving everyone game time and that’s what we did, which also contributed to the scoreline.

“The game served its purpose. At the end of the second of four 20-minute quarters, we were leading 21-9 but once I started to make the changes it took a while to get the combinations to settle and Thames Valley capitalised.

“They’re a handy unit who play an expansive game. I’m disappointed to lose but I’ll take a lot of positives from the 80 minutes.

“One of the biggest challenges is sorting out the right mix for our loan players. Rex Pollock (lock from the North Shore club), Wally Mill (prop from Te Puna RFC) and his teammate Courtney Mita (centre) all looked good. It’s just a matter of assessing how and where to play them.

“But otherwise I was reasonably happy with how we played. One area we need to pay attention to this week is first-up tackles.

“At this level, if you miss them teams will punish you. It’s a matter of adjusting from club rugby to another step up but I’m confident we’ll get there.

“Poverty Bay will be tough but we’re at home and we have to try to take advantage and build on that.”

One loan player sure to play against the Bay is former Highlanders first five-eighth Richard Apanui, who also plays for Te Puna.

Apanui, who was impressive when he made his debut for the Sky Blues against the Bay in Gisborne at Queens’ Birthday Weekend, scored two tries on Saturday and kicked two conversions.

“Richard will run the cutter for the backs,” said Waitoa, who has six players who missed the Valley clash to come into consideration for the Bay game.

Other tryscorers on Saturday were openside flanker Donny Mill and midfield back Tom Teaeki. Waitoa said Teaeki was exempt from any criticism relating to missed tackles.

“He was spot on, but the good thing about Tom is he is versatile, and able to play fullback or wing. Kris Palmer was another who played well against Valley. Like Tom, Kris can play fullback so I have some tough decisions to make for this weekend.”