Divisional XV recover to draw with Tonga

7.00pm

The New Zealand Divisional 15 mounted a late charge to draw 10-10 with Tonga in a messy international rugby match at McLean Park here today.

In perfect conditions for open rugby, the skill level from both teams' with ball in hand was below standard.

The difference looked to be the experience and strength of the Tonga forwards, who gave the tourists an advantage in possession and territory, particularly before halftime, when they led 10-0.

However, the Divisional 15 lifted several cogs in the second spell, with a converted try scored by captain Mutu Ngarimu levelling the scores with five minutes remaining.

As with their 12-47 loss to New Zealand Maori at North Harbour on Monday, Tonga mounted several quality drives but struggled for any coherent backline play. Even the most basic moves often broke down before they could get to the flanks.

There were few opportunities for Sydney-based winger Taniela Tulia, who looked the most dangerous attacker on the field. In one of his few chances, he burst 40m and was held up over the line by Divisional fullback Tim Manawatu.

From the resulting play, No 8 Benhur Kivalu was driven over by his pack for their only try.

Momentum swung to the Divisional 15 in the second half but they constantly struggled to break the advantage line.

They spurned several easy penalty shots at goal early in the half but only had success when No 8 Ngarimu was driven over, 10 minutes after an Eddie Hekenui penalty opened their account, breaking a 49 minute scoring drought.

Replacement first five-eighth Simon Porther was unsuccessful with a late dropped goal attempt and long-range penalty which would have won the game for the Divisional 15.

It was largely a disappointing performance from the team comprising players from the NPC second and third divisions, who were far more impressive in the 27-30 loss to Samoa at Pukekohe last weekend.

Few players put their hands up for higher honours. Hawke's Bay halfback Donovan Hall spent the day tidying up scrappy ball while Marlborough hooker Mark Stewart was lively in open play and Wairarapa Bush flanker Germaine Anaha was busy throughout.

Tonga struggled to win their own lineout ball but otherwise had the better of the forward exchanges. Their scrum and driving play were powerful, and they regularly turned over Divisional ball at the breakdown.

Hefty Northland blindside flanker Nisifolo Naufahu stood out for Tonga while centre Pierra Hola kicked a penalty and conversion.

Manawatu missed two long-range penalty attempts in the first half while their best try-scoring chance of the first half was lost when winger Ray Karauria fumbled quick ruck ball 1m out from the line.

A small crowd of about 1000 had little to cheer about, despite have six local Hawke's Bay players in the Divisional team's starting 15.

Tonga coach Jim Love was unimpressed with his team's performance.

"I'm pretty disappointed, we're a better side than that," he said.

"We had enough ball in the first half to win two matches. We just didn't use the ball which is at the heart of our problem."

He said his forwards had every right to be upset with their backline, who continued to squander chances.

"It's just a lack of confidence. We tend to go by ourselves too often rather than use the ball. Our kicking was woeful too," he said.

"We should have beaten this team by a large margin."

The match ended the two-game programme for the Divisional 15 while Tonga play a test at home against Ireland next weekend.


- NZPA