Auckland versus King Country

Match report

The Auckland u/18 Divisional side traveled to Te Kuite on 3 September for our match versus King Country u/18 side. For many of the players it was their visit to the central north island town of Te Kuite which is for the duration of the time referred to as Meadsville, honouring one of New Zealand’s favourite rugby sons and former All Black Captain Sir Colin Meads. The match was played in perfect conditions, dry underfoot and in front of an intimidating home crowd. King Country started the match on a high and came out firing on all cylinders. Auckland eventually opened their scoring around the 15^th minute through Nick Smith our 1^st 5 with two consecutive penalties. Auckland pretty much dominated the next 20 minutes with tries by Brandon Bryant, Chris Swain(Captain) and a 20meter drive from a lineout which eventually lead to Aaron Turnbull’s pushover try and a try by the  St.Paul’s lock and vice-captain Leo Ngahe.  Half-time score 28-3.

Auckland continued their dominance of the 1^st half with second half tries by Harry Palau, Sami Tu’itupo, Brandon Bryant, Inga Finau, Chris Swain and George Emosi.

Seventeen member of the squad made their Auckland debut in Te Kuite, I am sure an experience they would never forget. The coaches also used this as an opportunity to give all the players a run and making substitutions during the second half: Quinton Nofainga replacing Miracle Tuigimala at no.8, Sami Tu’itupo for Brandon Chand at Fullback, Soani Matele for Solomona Neru at tighthead Fred  Palea for Harry Pualau, Jeremy for Tana Fotofilli at no.7 and Falaniko Tuliao on for Aaron Turnbull at hooker, James Faiva for Nick Smith at 1^st V.

The substitutions did not disrupt the flow of the game and the superior fitness and willingness to spread the ball wide saw the side scoring three tries in the last ten minutes of the game. After a 34-5 loss to the u/18 B side the previous Sunday, this emphatic win gave the side a benchmark on which to improve. Some areas of concern and work-ons highlighted by the coaches included the ball being stripped in the contact, the tackle ball and the inconsistency in the goal kicking department.

Match contributors: Auckland 64 (Tries : B Bryant 2, C Swain 2, A Turnbull, L Ngahe, H.Pualau, I Finau, G Emosi, S Tu'itupou Pens: N Smith 2 Conv: N Smith, J.Faiva 3

King Country 6 (two penalties)

We look forward to our next match on Colin Maiden Park this Saturday when we host our visitors for across the bridge North Harbour. 

Auckland Player of the Day: Leo Ngahe

Auckland Parents/supporters player of the Day: Leo Ngahe

We wish our coach Graeme  a happy birthday for Sunday.