MPs get drubbing from the Mangatainoka players

The Mangatainoka RFC Barbarians and NZ Parliamentary teams together after the curtain-raiser.

According to the programme "a group of men whose best playing days are behind them from different sides of the debating chamber" — the NZ Parliamentary Rugby team — took the field in the curtain-raiser at Mangatainoka on Saturday.

They were playing the Mangatainoka RFC Barbarians comprising "a selection of blokes who know someone who knows someone who knows someone that has an inside running on team selection."

No place for the fainthearted as no quarter was asked for or given.

It was a fundraiser for the Tararua Branch of Riding For The Disabled.

The Parliamentary team comprised some well-known Ministers — Damien O'Connor, Kris Faafoi, Stuart Nash, Penni Henare — and MPs Mark Mitchell, Clayton Mitchell, Paul Goldsmith, Alfred Ngaro, Paul Eagle, Greg O'Connor and Kieran McAnulty. Two former All Blacks, both half backs — Piri Wepu and Ofisa Tonu'u — bolstered the team.

Kieran said he organised the Parliamentary team for an opportunity to support the Battle Of The Brewery in his electorate.

MP Kieran McAnulty taking a photo opportunity while being subbed off from the NZ Parliamentary rugby team with two local patriots Jonno Black and Jade Brandon.

"I felt it was a privilege to host the Super Rugby players in Mangatainoka and I had no trouble assembling a team from Parliament for the occasion."

Piri Wepu said he is out of rugby these days but was happy to join his brother Billy in the game for the cause.

The game was far from a gentle canter, with both teams fielding some big and reasonably fit players. It was a great spectacle as players had to pass after 15m and great tries were scored, including the opener for the Parliamentary team by winger Kieran McAnulty.

Mangatainoka Barbarians won the game convincingly and they will be able to indulge in their favourite pastime "telling about the things they have never done and places they had never seen" the programme said, only this time there will be an element of truth.