Energy-sapping Heartland win in Fiji

NEW SKIPPER: New NZ Heartland captain, South Canterbury's Keiran Coll has led by example winning two from two after Tuesday's 26-19 over Nadi in Fiji.

The Whanganui players made their presence felt during Tuesday evening's New Zealand Heartland 26-19 winning clash with Nadi in uncomfortabley humid Fijian conditions.

Viki Tofa was the only Whanganui player named in the starting line-up and new coach Barry Matthews said he had an outstanding 80-minute game.

Lindsay Horrocks, Peter Rowe and Te Rangatira Waitokia all came off the bench at varying times to replace players sapped by the humid heat.

'We've just watched a DVD of the match this morning and Viki played very well," Matthews told the Chronicle from Nadi yesterday morning.

"His tackle game was excellent the entire match, while Peter's directness was up to its usual standard."

Matthews said New Zealand had a try disallowed which may have impacted in the direction the game took at that point, but the team didn't panic.

"Lindsay Horrocks came on for 20 mimutes and was his usual busy self. Te (Waitokia) was feeling a slight knee injury from last weekend's Marist game and we're looking after him a bit saving him for the game against Nadroga on Friday," Matthews said.

"He didn't really get much of a chance with ball in hand last night, but he will be in the starting line-up on Friday. The rest of the team will be named after a big practice session tomorrow (Thursday). The heat will be the same, but I think Nadroga is a very strong side, stronger than Nadi, so it will be interesting."

According to a report on Rugbyheartland twitter feed the Heartland XV were in control for most of the game, building a 12-0 halftime lead to a 26-5 advantage, with around 15 minutes to go.

With the Kiwis tiring in the heat Nadi took full advantage to close the gap with two late tries. Wing Willie Paia'aua put in another excellent performance for the NZ Heartland XV
Matthews said despite the score line he felt his team was never in danger.

"As they do the Fijian boys got a sniff at the end and scored two good tries."
New Heartland captain Kieran Coll got on the try scoring sheet again. Coll replaced longtime captain Peter Rowe this season.

Matthews said their performance was not as good as the win over NZ Marist on Saturday. "We were okay but will need to step up again against Nadroga on Saturday.

"Nadroga are the top side here and won their championship so will be very tough."
Off the field Matthews said the team were enjoying Fiji and the hospitality.

Scorers:
NZ Heartland XV 26 (Kieran Coll, Eddie Cranston, Willie Paia'aua, Zayn Tipping try, James Lash 3 con)
Nadi 19 (3 tries, 2 con)