Rugby: Samoans run out of gas during second half

The Hawke's Bay Samoans rugby team opened their season with a 40-26 loss to their Wellington counterparts in the capital on Saturday.

Hawke's Bay led 19-12 at halftime and manager Narley Tuliau said the execution wasn't up to standard in the second half.

"It was our first game and Wellington had played five. We experimented a bit because we wanted to try a few things before our competition starts."

Captain and openside flanker Pouvi Fatialofa again proved why he has the nickname "Three Lungs" with a huge work rate.

Locks Toe Tulia and Kome Palaamo also impressed in the Bay pack. Johnny Lauano, who had stints at first five-eighth and halfback and his brother, Migao, who played centre and wing, stood out in the backs.

Tulia, Fatialofa, centre Vai Kereti and fullback Tom Iosefo scored the Bay's tries. Johnny Lauano kicked two conversions and Vai Kereti one.

Former All Black Rodney So'oialo coached the Wellington Samoans and an assistant was ex-Magpies prop Kas Lealamanua.

The Bay U19s lost 38-3 to their Wellington counterparts in the capital after trailing 14-3 at halftime. Bay manager Cyril Whitburn said there was 100 per cent improvement on the previous week's 56-7 loss to Manawatu.

"A couple of missed tackles let us down in the first half and the score only blew out during the final 15 minutes."

Second five-eighth Liam McFarland scored the Bay's only points with a penalty. Halfback Zac Donaldson and new first five-eighth Harris Solomon combined well in the Bay backline.

Lock Hannon Brighouse and Magpies No 8 Marino Mikaele-Tu'u were among the best Bay forwards.