Metro Colts early season favourites

UNBEATEN: Wanganui Metro Colts captain Keanu Kaa has led his side to two wins from two matches in the Manawatu Colts division this season.PHOTO/SUPPLIED

The Wanganui Metro Colts are emerging as serious threats in the Manawatu rugby competition after yet another convincing win at the weekend.

Metro beat last year's Colts division fourth placed Linton 38-12 scoring six tries with Hare Meihana converting four.

Co-coached by Darryl Malcolm and Carl Gibson, the Wanganui side debuted in the competition a week earlier thrashing Marist Old Boys Colts 81-12 at Spriggens Park.

Malcolm said the entire team performed well on Saturday, although fullback Terangatira Waitokia had an exceptional game, scoring three tries and defending staunchly.

Malcolm also singled out lock Sean Van Der Lubbe and flanker Hoani Herewini for their solid performances, while John Iro proved sound both in defence and on attack at second five. Shayde Chadfield was also named in dispatches.

"This team is shaping up very well despite only being together for a relatively short time," Malcolm said yesterday.

"David Rudolph is doing a fine job as fitness coach and once we start getting quality ball regularly out to the backs we will be even more dangerous. The backs are doing what is being asked of them."

While new to the Manawatu Colts division, the Wanganui Metro team have been given a number of home matches this season and where possible they will play curtain-raisers to some of the Tasman Tanning premier games at Spriggens Park.

This Saturday they return to Spriggens Park where they will be put to their most serious test yet when they shape up against last season's Manawatu Colts champions Massey White.

Meanwhile, the Whanganui High School First XV had a bye at the weekend following their season opening 73-7 hiding handed out to Te Kawau Colts.