Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
The first weekend of the 2020 Mitre 10 Cup season is in the books and it was high-flying stuff with plenty of tries on offer. As expected a number of MLR players suited up with a few even getting their name on the scoreboard.
NORTH HARBOUR 29 – 43 CANTERBURY
An entertaining match to kick off the season but as expected the Cantabrians were far too strong. It’s not often a player of Richie Mo’unga’s caliber comes off the bench. Former Raptors No8 Murphy Taramai started for North Harbour.
WAIKATO 53 – 28 WELLINGTON
An exceptional 33-point performance from All Blacks star Damian McKenzie led the way for the Mooloos in their big win over the Lions. Old man Adam Thomson – the almost-Warrior – was the only pseudo-MLR connection among the two lineups.
OTAGO 6 – 38 AUCKLAND
The Razorbacks were left frustrated as the 2018 champions got off to a cracking start. Free Jacks signing Aleki Morris-Lome played all 80 minutes in the Otago midfield. Entering the game as second-half replacements for Auckland were Old Glory pair Mike Sosene-Feagai and Danny Tusitala.
COUNTIES MANUKAU 24 – 41 TASMAN
Not a bad showing for the Steelers against the defending champion Mako. Now ex-Austin lock Potu Leavasa got a late call-up to the starting lineup and scored a try for Counties, while Raptors back row Sam Slade played 80 minutes on the blindside flank. Current Austin scrumhalf Pele Cowley got in as a late sub. On the other side the Utah connection of Dwayne Polataivao and Tim O’Malley closed out the game for Tasman. The latter kicked one conversion.
NORTHLAND 43 – 26 MANAWATU
The Taniwha scored two late tries to secure a more comfortable win over Manawatu. Canada XV hooker Jordan Olsen captained Northland and scored one try, with another going to RUNY flanker Kara Pryor and one to Raptors center Rene Ranger. San Diego signing Luatangi Li also started for the Taniwha at loosehead prop.
TARANAKI 36 – 29 BAY OF PLENTY
A late try from new RUNY winger Fa’asiu Fuatai clawed back a bonus point for the Steamers, but it wasn’t enough as the Barrett brothers inspired the Bulls to victory. Free Jacks prop Donald Brighouse came off the bench for Taranaki.
HAWKE’S BAY 10 – 16 SOUTHLAND
It was a winning return to New Zealand rugby for Eagles flanker Tony Lamborn, who skippered the Stags to a road victory over the Magpies. ATL fullback Rory van Vugt started on the right wing for Southland. He played opposite Colorado’s Mason Emerson who was on the Hawke’s Bay left wing.
