YOUNG TALENT: Three of Wanganui's Central Maori U18 representatives, Blade Jones (left), Bobby Lambert, Connor Hill.PHOTO/STUART MUNRO 230715WCSMRUGBY1
YOUNG TALENT: Three of Wanganui's Central Maori U18 representatives, Blade Jones (left), Bobby Lambert, Connor Hill.PHOTO/STUART MUNRO 230715WCSMRUGBY1
Four Wanganui teenagers loved the chance to show their natural ability in Maori rugby as they experienced success with the Central Maori Under 18 team at the weekend.
Connor Hill (Kaierau Premiers), Bobby Lambert (City College), Blade Jones (Collegiate) and Sheldon Pakinga (Wanganui High School 1st XV) were selected forthe Te Tini A Maui team to play their Northern counterparts - Te Hiku O Te Ika - at Kings College. Pakinga slotted into the backline while Hill (flanker), Lambert (lock) and Jones (prop) were in the pack.
Central won a very physical clash 17-10.
Yesterday, the trio said they had really enjoyed the "different" feel of Maori rugby, a fun style of play that encourages natural ability and expression.
The teams created their own hakas for the pre-match challenge. Central was selected after the "E Tu Rangatahi" development programme was run over June in Wanganui, Hawkes Bay, Poverty Bay and Manawatu.
