Turanga Tane too strong

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

Poverty Bay Rugby's development team Tūranga Tāne beat a spirited Tūranga Pasifika side in Gisborne last Saturday.

The match was transferred to the Oval to preserve the Rugby Park surface for the Heartland game as rain was forecast.

Despite the best efforts of Pasifika, Tūranga Tāne were too strong, persistent and consistent, and won the game 41-22.

Tūranga Tāne were preparing for tomorrow's Rugby Park match against Thames Valley Development.

Co-coach Doug Jones said Thames Valley would be a big challenge.

“We are not sure what they are going to bring, so all we can do is focus on ourselves and put out a performance our whānau will be proud of,” he said.

“We are looking forward to it.”

In the curtain-raiser, Poverty Bay under-18s will play the Hawke's Bay Saracens u18s at midday.