Development XV stumble in Masterton

Simeli Konifredi's try got Wanganui Development back into the game against Wairarapa-Bush Development on Saturday.

It was a hard trek to Masterton for the Wanganui Toyota Development XV, whose goal of retaining RDO Shield took a nose dive into the artificial turf at Memorial Park after being beaten 29-15 by Wairarapa-Bush Development on Saturday.

Travelling without noted playmakers Isireli Baleitavuki, Jaye Flaws and Steelie Koro, while flanker Tom Nichol broke his hand during the week, the Development XV could only take a squad of 20 on the bus trip south, with the Heartland team needing the extra complement to begin their season at Cooks Gardens.

"You're always stronger at home," coach Ross Williams said.

"They had six [Heartland players] drop down, we had two.

"That's the nature of Development - week to week you don't know who you're going to get.

"We were a bit flat to start - it was 14-0 after four minutes."

Wanganui were 21-5 down at halftime as they turned to face the wind, but rallied to only trail 21-15 with 15 minutes left to play.

However, Wairarapa-Bush coolly regained momentum with a penalty, then scored the matchwinning try.

Wanganui's tryscorers were second-five Simeli Konifredi, who was their most influential player, and prop Gabriel Hakaria, along with one conversion and a penalty kick.

Williams didn't think the century scoreline his side put on Horowhenua-Kapiti Development last weekend had lulled them into a false sense of security.

"[Wairarapa-Bush] wanted it more, had a few Heartland boys drop down, which helped them.

"We were chasing our tail a bit. We didn't cope well with the travel."

The team will now have a bye before they face the Wellington Centurions back at Cooks Gardens, although given the RDO Shield is a round robin competition, they will need to win their remaining games while hoping Wairarapa-Bush stumble along the way.