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Just a week after one of their own lifted the Ranfurly Shield, a second New England player emerged triumphant at Inglewood. Once again a number players with Major League Rugby links made their marks, some for the wrong reasons. The final match of the weekend featured a remarkable eight players of interest to North American fans. This week we have attached video highlights of each game to accompany the summaries.
WELLINGTON 32 – 10 BAY OF PLENTY
The Lions had no troubles with the Steamers in Wellington, in fact they only scored once after Fa’asiu Fuatai was sent off in the 66th minute for a dangerous clearout at a ruck. After a great start to the season, the RUNY winger will now serve a three-week suspension for his ill-discipline. Free Jacks flanker Joe Johnston played the last half hour of the match for Bay of Plenty.
TASMAN 34 – 17 WAIKATO
The defending champions remain undefeated. Former All Blacks select David Havili scored three tries to lead the way for the Mako. Utah captain Dwayne Polataivao started at scrumhalf with previous skipper Tim O’Malley a replacement flyhalf. Waikato featured would-be Warriors signing Adam Thomson on the blindside flank.
SOUTHLAND 11 – 10 NORTH HARBOUR
It was the narrowest of victories for the Stags over visiting North Harbour. ATL’s Rory van Vugt scored a vital second half try to help secure the result. Tony Lamborn is now 2-1 as Southland’s captain this season. Former Glendale No8 Murphy Taramai was a second half substitute for Harbour.
HAWKE’S BAY 20 – 19 CANTERBURY
Another nailbiter as the Magpies upset Canterbury in Napier. Hawke’s Bay featured a pair of New Zealand Sevens stars in the backline with Lolagi Visinia scoring his second try of the season since returning from a three-year stint abroad. Kurt Baker lined up at fullback. Canterbury were missing all of their international stars.
AUCKLAND 50 – 12 MANAWATU
The Turbos were crushed at Eden Park. It was partly of their own doing with two yellow cards conceded in the first half. Old Glory hooker Mike Sosene-Feagai made his third appearance of the season as a replacement for Auckland. Nigel Ah Wong, linked with a move to Austin earlier this year, started in the Manawatu midfield.
TARANAKI 19 – 30 OTAGO
Two Free Jacks were on opposite sides with the Ranfurly Shield up for grabs. Donald Brighouse and his Taranaki Bulls lifted the Log o’ Wood last weekend, but the spoils of battle belonged to the Razorbacks this week. Aleki Morris-Lome played his third consecutive 80-minute match at inside center for Otago, who will defend the Shield against Hawke’s Bay this coming weekend.
COUNTIES MANUKAU 15 – 24 NORTHLAND
A competitive match but the Taniwha proved the fitter side as they scored three second half tries to keep the Steelers winless. Canada XV hooker Jordan Olsen played a starring role as captain and try-scorer for Northland. There was MLR influence throughout the side with San Diego prop Luatangi Li yellow carded late in the first half, RUNY flanker Kara Pryor wearing the No7 shirt, and a midfield comprised of Utah’s Blake Hohaia and Colorado’s Rene Ranger. Austin alumni Potu Leavasa started at lock for Counties with another ex-Raptor in Sam Slade on the blindside flank. Old Glory’s Jason Robertson came on at flyhalf in the second half for the home side.
