Whanganui rugby: Coaches lace up as Whanganui Tāne Māori sneak past Horowhenua-Kāpiti

Whanganui Tāne Māori beat Horowhenua-Kāpiti Māori in Levin on Saturday. Photo / Bevan Conley

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Kicking off with only 14 men against a full-strength opposition and with their coaching staff having to pull on the boots to play did not hinder the Whanganui Tāne Māori side, who defeated Horowhenua-Kāpiti Māori 36-31 in Levin on Saturday.

With players required for the McFall Fuel Whanganui Development XV game back at Cooks Gardens and with two forwards pulling out on the morning of the match, the Māori had 16 players confirmed for the game, which included coach Steelie Koro (52 first-class games) and manager Pehira Huwyler (19 games) turning the clock back to take the field.

Due to watching children’s rugby in the morning, two players only arrived right on kickoff and had to get ready, leaving the Māori to start one short against an opposition with the full 22-man squad.

“They had all the gear, but no idea. We grinded it out,” said Koro of the big effort.

“Good for the young fellas to experience it too.

“They thought it was going to be a long day at the office.”

Forward Christian Hawira, one of the two late arrivals, wasted no time getting into his work when he eventually got on the field to take the Māori back up to a full XV.

“Very, very typical Ruapehu-style rugby, just carry strong and tackle strong,” said Koro of Hawira’s effort.

The other standout was midfield back Opetini Dryden with a committed performance.

Whanganui Tāne Māori will now prepare for their upcoming third game with Manawatū Māori, which should be for the Miki Haddon Memorial Taonga.