Wairarapa-Bush came back to earth with a thud when they were beaten 32-13 by King Country in their Heartland championship rugby match at Taupo on Saturday.
After impressive wins in warm-up games against Horowhenua-Kapiti, Manawatu development squad and Poverty Bay hopes were high that Wairarapa-Bush would start their 2014 campaign on a winning note, but in a match dominated by penalties they struggled to keep in touch with a fired-up home side.
Pivot Whakataki Cunningham had a huge say in the end result for King Country.
Not only did he call the tune with his tactical nous in general play but he converted two tries scored by his side and also kicked six penalty goals
Former Waikato second-five Joe Perawati was a powerful runner in midfield for King Country and Wise was at the forefront of a pack which garnerd enough quality possession to allow Cunningham to keep their team on the front foot.