Rugby: Tuis poor first quarter leads to first loss

Hawke's Bay Tuis substitute lock Niamh Jefferson charges through the Otago defence during Saturday's loss in Dunedin. Photo/Otago Daily Times

A poor first 20 minutes contributed to the Hawke's Bay Tuis' first loss in their Farah Palmer Cup NPC rugby campaign on Saturday.

The Tuis were beaten 31-12 by the Otago Spirit in Dunedin after trailing 19-0 after the first quarter and 24-0 at halftime.

"While we dug deep in the second half Otago blitzed us in that first 20. We made unforced errors, were very loose and didn't compete well enough for most of that first half when we conceded two intercept tries," Woods said.

Two Tuis players, prop Natalie Cotton, who played the first 55 minutes and substitute winger Te Maari MacGregor, celebrated their 40th first class outings for the Tuis with tries. Black Ferns first five-eighth Krysten Cottrell converted one of them.

Substitute locks Niamh Jefferson and Hanna Brough shone with their workrates for the Tuis.

■ The Hawke's Bay Saracens maintained their unbeaten run in the Hurricanes Development competition with a 33-25 win against the Wellington Centurions at Napier's McLean Park on Saturday.

Saracens manager Tim Jones was thrilled with the manner in which the hosts recovered from a 17-5 halftime deficit in a tough encounter. Winger Saia Paese capitalised on his opportunities with two tries, one of which was an intercept. Fullback Johnny Ika was always a threat on attack and first five-eighth Ellery Wilson impressed with his organisation.

Lock Phil McRoberts was a tireless worker in the tight and flankers, captain Chris Johnston, and Matt Gardner were an inspirational pair.

■ The Hawke's Bay under-19s were handed a 90-0 drubbing by Bay of Plenty in their first outing at the national under-19 tournament in Taupo yesterday. The Hawke's Bay side, which included four Magpies squad members, hooker Jacob Devery, loosie Devan Flanders, first five-eighth Lincoln McClutchie and outside back Danny Toala, was too passive and too gun shy according to manager Mike Smith.

"We let ourselves down. We weren't hungry enough and the big physical Bay of Plenty side was well prepared and well structured," Smith said.

Hawke's Bay will play Tasman on Wednesday.