Debutants impress against Hawke’s Bay
By WALT DICKSON
The Farriers Wairarapa-Bush brains trust will have a headache when they board the bus to journey back from Napier to Masterton tonight.
It’s not that any of them took a blow to the swede during the 40-7 loss to Hawke’s Bay Saracens at Park Island this afternoon, nor did they over indulge at the post-match function.
But rather, so chuffed with their team’s performance they now face some tough decisions around selections heading into the Heartland Championship.
“Everyone played well and put up their hand, so it gives us a good headache moving forward to be honest,” says head coach Joe Harwood.
Notably, seven players made their debut for Wairarapa-Bush this afternoon, and all acquitted themselves well, says Harwood.
“As a management group we couldn’t be happier,” Harwood says.
“There were so many positives to take out of the match, particularly in terms of just being competitive across the park . . . we are absolutely wrapped with the new guys who made their debut today.”
Hooker James Pakati packed down in a front row that measured up against a much bigger opposition, while loosie Chaz Matthews made an “outstanding contribution”.
Half-back Joseph Thompson didn’t look out of place at representative level, neither did his replacement, young Bryan Arnold. On the wing, Nikora Ewe had a terrific first up game with some strong running with the ball, while Soli Malatai and Reece Calkin also impressed.
Reluctant to single out any of the senior players, Harwood says Eddie Cranston led the team really well, with the experience of fellow forwards Andrew McLean and James Goodger making a big difference.
Also, first-five eighth Tim Priest did a “fantastic job” directing play.
Down 21-nil at half time, Hawke’s Bay led by 28-points with about 15-minutes remaining when replacement wing Epeili Rayaqayaqa dotted down to close the gap back to 21 again. Two late tries by the home team saw the margin blow out to 33-points.
Other than a few bumps and bruises the team came through the match unscathed, Harwood says.
The team won’t get together until after club finals.
Harwood says the onus now is on all of the players to go back to their club rugby and really work on their individual games, specially around fitness.
“We will know our squad probably a week out from the semi-finals, so it is up to individual players to keep performing,” he says.
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