Rugby: Canes development side fail to fire on artificial surface

The official opening of the new grandstand and the artificial surface at Trust House Memorial Stadium in Masterton showcased a Hurricanes vs Chiefs development squads match. Photo / NZME.

A Hawke's Bay-dominated Hurricanes Development rugby team paid the price for too much spilt ball and too many missed first up tackles during this clash in Masterton last night.

The Hurricanes team's last outing of the season was staged to mark the opening of Trust House Memorial Park's $2.1 million artificial turf.

Hawke's Bay Rugby Union's player development manager Joe Payton is a member of the Canes coaching staff and pointed out this was the side's second loss in their history. The first was against their Crusaders counterparts earlier this year.

Payton said Bay wingers Jonah Lowe and Mason Emerson, who are both members of the Magpies wider training group, started and made the most of their limited opportunities. Magpies winger Shannan Chase came on as a 65th minute substitute and had two spectacular runs.

New Magpies prop Tolu Fahamakioa played 65 minutes and impressed with his scrummaging and carries. Like Chase, Taradale hooker Mike Feagai, was also given the final 15 minutes and Payton was happy with his contribution.

Hastings Rugby and Sports lock Sanaila Waqa got game time off the bench and when Wellington-based former Hawke's Bay age group fullback Sam McNicol was injured Emerson moved to fullback and Waqa to the wing.

Former Magpies, lock Tom Parsons and prop Adrian Barone, and former Hawke's Bay under-16 prop Tim Cadwallader, who are all Manawatu-based, also played for the Canes.

"Apart from some of the boys cramping up we had no issues with the turf. Our game just didn't come together," Payton said.

"Assembling in Wellington on the day of the game and then arriving in Masterton an hour or so before kick-off after travelling over the hill wasn't the ideal preparation," he added.