Rugby: Lightweight lock makes big impact

Taradale lock Angelo Mufana on the job as an apprentice builder with Mackersey Construction Ltd. Photo / Duncan Brown

At 90KG Taradale rugby lock Angelo Mufana knows he is too light to push a case for Hawke's Bay Magpies selection.

"I've tried to put on weight but I just burn it off at work and then at home when I'm helping out with the kids," Mufana explained.

Despite regularly giving away at least 10kg to opposing secondrowers Mufana, 22, has been the top performing lock in Hawke's Bay's Nash Cup premier club competition this season. He produced a player-of-the-match performance in Carters Frame and Truss Taradale's 17-16 win against Hawke's Bay Insurances Limited Napier Old Boys Marist on Saturday to become the fifth weekly winner in the tussle for the Tui-Hawke's Bay Today Club Rugby Player of the Year award and leap into second place on the leaderboard.

What the apprentice builder for Mackersey Construction Ltd lacks in weight he makes up for with his hard-nosed approach and outstanding work ethic.

"It comes down to technique and fitness," Mufana said during his lunch break yesterday.

A father of three, Mufana is in his third season with the Taradale premiers after two with the club's colts team.

"I was doing a computer design course at EIT when a guy there invited me to a Taradale colts training session. I've been there ever since and have really enjoyed it."

Originally from New Caledonia, Mufana came to New Zealand to complete his final three years of secondary schooling at Lindisfarne College.

A member of the Hawke's Bay under-20s team in 2012-13, Mufana, ranks the side's Hurricanes titles win in 2012 with an unbeaten run as the highlight of his career. He was selected for the Hawke's Bay Saracens team last season but an elbow injury and bout of concussion limited his appearances.

Mufana's form to date suggests he will be a certainty for the Saracens again this season but he will not be too concerned if he doesn't get the nod.

"I just want to keep playing well for my club. If I don't get injured there's a good chance I could get my blazer for 50 games before the end of the season."

Mufana enjoyed Saturday's nail-biting win which saw Taradale maintain their unbeaten run and increase their lead at the top of the competition's points table.

"It was a hard game and in situations like that you have to be serious."