Rugby: Heartland dig deep to take out Tasman

The NZ Heartland XV with its contingent of Wanganui players showed they are not in Taupo to make up the numbers after an upset 25-15 win over Tasman in the opening game of the Jock Hobbs Memorial National Under 19 tournament on Sunday.

Kameli Kuruyabaki (Pirates) and Zyon Hekenui (Ruapehu) started the game at centre and the wing respectively, while Hunterville's James Brett was on the bench.

Competing in the second tier of the tournament for the Michael Jones Trophy at Owen Delaney Park, Heartland were not expected to give the Nelson-Marlborough side too much concern.

But only trailing 15-10 at halftime as they turned with the wind behind them, the team's confidence soared and they laid on 15 unanswered points to take the match and put themselves into the semifinals against Southland yesterday.

Flanker Seta Korotimana, a regular starter for the Mid Canterbury senior team, had an outstanding game with a hand in all three Heartland tries.

In the first half, his dash set up halfback Trent Reti (Horowhenua-Kapiti) going across, which was book-ended by two very good Tasman tries from midfield breaks.

Korotimana started the big rumble to the line for Heartland in the second half, and after No8 Logan Winter (West Coast) went close, Korotimana picked it up again and smashed over.

Running with the ball in one hand, Korotimana went off the back of a 30m scrum and with three defenders on him made the flick pass to fullback and captain Josh Turner (Thames Valley), who scored in the corner.

First-five Bryce Shearer (South Canterbury) added two conversions and two penalties.

"We were underestimated coming into this comp with only two days training, but the boy's really dug deep," said Turner afterwards.

Heartland were facing Southland yesterday with the winner going on to the trophy final against either Hawke's Bay or Manawatu.