Tuera Shield: Maori comeback not enough to keep Shield

Despite a strong game, Gabriel Hakaraia and the Whanganui Maori team could not keep hold of the Tuera Shield in New Plymouth on Saturday.

Unfortunately for the Whanganui Maori team, it was Taranaki's weekend for winning rugby shields as they lost the Tuera Shield to Taranaki Maori 21-17 in New Plymouth on Saturday.

While parades were taking place around the district for the return of the Ranfurly Shield after Taranaki's amazing comeback win against Canterbury in Christchurch the night before, the Taranaki Maori were trying to get back the 121-year-old Tuera Shield at the Spotswood ground behind Yarrow Stadium.

Whanganui Maori coach Dennis Tucker said his team did not try to work for territory in the wet weather during the opening 40 minutes and paid the price.

"We pretty much played into their hands in the first half, trapped in our 22m, played rugby in our half."

The team rebounded in the second half to lead the match 17-16, but Taranaki scored another try to get the advantage again and Whanganui just could not force another score.

"The boys played with that much heart and conviction," said Tucker.

"We didn't die wondering. Very proud of the boys. We're only going to get stronger from it."

Tucker said prop Gabriel Hakaraia had an awesome match, leading from the front, while his Steelform Wanganui team mate Dane Whale had a couple of nice touches from first-five.

Reserve first-five Josh Fifita came on in the second half and combined well with second-five Ethan Robinson during Whanganui's comeback.

Despite the disappointment of losing the shield they won last year, Tucker agreed local Maori rugby has continued to strengthen alongside their bigger provincial neighbours, recalling trips to New Plymouth in previous years when the side was badly beaten.

The side will re-group at Thursday training to prepare for their final game against Manawatu Maori in the Cooks Gardens curtain-raiser on Saturday

"These boys are as keen as, they're hurting from this and there's a new shield up for grabs," said Tucker.