Positives for Maori despite close loss

Whanganui Maori try-scorer Lachlan Blackstock looks to evade Manawatu Maori defenders in Saturday 19-17 loss at Cooks Gardens. Photo/ Stuart Munro

Dennis Tucker has high hopes for the future of Whanganui Maori rugby despite a poor final 20 minutes costing the side a win over Manawatu Maori in their final match of the season on Saturday.

Playing the curtain raiser to the Steelform Wanganui clash with North Otago at Cooks Gardens the Whanganui Maori side led for most of the match and by as much as 17-7 with 15 minutes to go.

But the Manawatu side managed to score two late tries to steal a win in a match which was cut 5 minutes short so the ground could be cleared for the 2.30pm Heartland Championship kick off.

"It was disappointing but the boys played well," coach Tucker said.

"We were hot on attack but we'll take it in our stride.

The tactics of kicking into a second-half wind had not helped but to have to themselves into a position where they should have won was pleasing, he said.

"We played the conditions terribly wrong in the second half. The boys have got to wear that but our defence was phenomenal for so long."

The narrow loss comes a week after Whanganui lost the Tuera Shield to Taranaki Maori 21-17 in New Plymouth.

But despite the losses against far bigger unions, Whanganui Maori coach Dennis Tucker believe Whanganui Maori rugby is in a good place.

"It's been a great experience for the boys. We just need a bit more commitment to be able to be up there. We need support from the bigger picture of Whanganui."

"We've got to take the loss but at the end of the day they were very closes losses.

"I'll never blame the boys. They played with pride and they played with spirit and I'm very proud."