Cutting Moa

Opening day often springs surprises and so it was in Auckland rugby yesterday. The 2003 champions Waitemata were thumped 42-3 by Te Papapa-Onehunga and last season's surprise package, Waitakere, showed they are no one-season wonders by drawing 18-18 with University, in spite of the presence of 2004 All Black Jerome Kaino.

While Waitemata, a semifinalist last season, has been decimated by players heading overseas or to other unions, the 39-point margin was totally unexpected.

Te Papapa coach Mialika Liutai was elated at the size of the victory.

"Our players did exactly what was asked of them," he said.

Te Papapa's young inside-back combination, NZ under-19 halfback from last season Tamiella Moa and first five-eighths Chris Merrick, controlled play expertly with Moa crossing for three tries and Merrick converting all six.

University retained the Fred Allen Challenge Cup but only just. All Black coach Graham Henry was at the match, checking out Kaino who was having his first full game back after suspension. Marist predictably beat East Tamaki 22-6. While Ponsonby beat Otahuhu 24-13 and Grammar-Carlton defeated Suburbs 39-15.

North Harbour

A blistering finish with two tries in the last five minutes gave Northcote a dramatic 20-13 win over old rivals North Shore yesterday.

Shore led 18-6 until the closing stages stages but paid the price for not taking their chances. After playing most of the match on defence, Northcote produced late attacks which brought tries to wing Steve Motuliki and replacement loose forward Matele Misa to snatch victory.

It was a result which left one of Shore's high profile coaching staff, Frank Bunce, perplexed. "We should have won but we've only got ourselves to blame," he said.
Shore trailed 3-6 at halftime but missed two penalty goals and opted for attacking lineouts rather than taking shots at goal. Northcote only entered the Shore 22 twice in the first half but that was long enough for first five-eighths Daniel Moore to land two penalty goals.

Inspired by captain Craig McGrath, who has moved to Harbour after many seasons with Waitemata, Northcote looked the fitter of the sides in the final minutes.

Another former Waitemata man, No 8 Mani Toailoa, scored three tries in Massey's win over Helensville. Other results all went with predictions, with Silverdale hammering Navy 77-10, Takapuna beating Glenfield 28-5, Marist beating Kumeu 24-6 and Massey and East Coast Bays too strong for Helensville and Mahurangi with 49-10 and 33-7 scorelines.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY