Rugby: Nga Wahine Toa's wins reflect character

The Nga Wahine Toa girls' rugby team from Hawke's Bay who were undefeated in the under-15 division of the Hurricanes region tournament in Marton last Saturday. Photo/supplied

The Nga Wahine Toa under-15 girls' rugby team from Hawke's Bay have returned with an unblemished record from an age-group Hurricanes tournament in Marton at the weekend.

What makes the Bay team's achievement special is that they injected fresh blood because some players were unavailable.

"With injuries accumulated over the past tournaments, school exams and other sporting codes in action on the same day, the Nga Wahine Toa had to draw on some young fresh talent," said coach Thomas Te Pou of the tourney that also included an under-18 section.

Te Pou said Kahlia Awa and Leilani Williams, who had Ross Shield experience, joined the the Nga Wahine Toa's campaign while Mercy Ili, a rookie to the code, had shown promise at the recent under-13 girls' sevens tournament with her bustling runs.

The Nga Wahine Toa side accepted the invitation to the Marton tourney in preparation for the Auckland Condor 7s but it gave the province a chance to field a strong youth side.

In blustery conditions and on a fast pitch in Marton, they beat Fielding Agriculture High School 45-0.

Rahera Heke stood out with her energetic bursts and turned over ball.

Nga Wahine Toa then overwhelmed Whanganui 33-0 next. Te Pou singled out Rakai McCafferty, of Wairoa, for her stout defence.

Taranaki were next and boasted a large mobile outfit that Nga Wahine Toa had not encountered before. They had despatched their opposition, including Wellington, with ease.

The Bay girls had to come to terms with a seesaw affair and smartly learned that Taranaki were going to pounce on any minor errors of judgement to punish them.

However, Olioli Mua, of Hastings, was instrumental in making a surging run for a last-gasp try to ensure Nga Wahine Toa prevailed, 24-14.

That gritty affair had made them mentally tougher for their final fling against the Manawatu Under-15s as they powered to a 29-5 victory.

"It was another successful tournament for the girls but more importantly it had introduced three more players to the next level of rugby," Te Pou said.

Nga Wahine Toa had acknowledged the commitment of captain Renee Karaitiana who had caught a flight from Fiji to Hamilton last Friday, travelled home to Flaxmere near midnight the same day before rising at 5.30am on Saturday to make her way to Marton to fulfil her obligations.

"That personifies the girls who all played for the Nga Wahine Toa," Te Pou said. "They are strong, determined women and it is hoped their successes [this year] have built a foundation for the future for young females in Hawke's Bay rugby."