Whanganui Maori miss chance with Wellington

The Whanganui Maori team were left to rue a couple of golden tryscoring opportunities gone begging in their 36-22 loss to Wellington's Te Upoko O Te Ika at the Te Tini A Maui tournament in Masterton yesterday.

Whanganui trailed 29-7 at halftime of the Men's A game, but rallied to have the better of the second half against their bigger opponents with three tries to one.

The scoreline was an improvement on last year's 48-10 defeat at City College between the Whanganui Tane and Wellington Maori, and assistant coach Justin Lock said it should have been been even closer.

"We left three tries out there in the first half - just basic draw and pass and we mucked up.

"We had chances, but let them score some soft tries."

Fullback Cody Hemi was outstanding, while second-five Te Tua Kemp also had a strong match in the backs.

Hooker and captain Roman Tutuaha along with flankers Jamie Hughes and Kieran Hussey led the forward pack.

The team's tryscorers were Hughes, Hussey, halfback Kane Tamou and utility back Grayson Tihema.

Importantly for the Premier club rugby teams, there were no injuries leading into the start of the season this Saturday.

Lock said the coaching staff will be trying to keep the predominantly young Maori team together for at least a couple of seasons.