Hawkes Bay Schoolboy Rugby
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Hastings go for the penalty. Mokau Lambert misses.
Commentators laughing because the naughty chair is right next to Hastings' bench and Thomas is on the receiving end of some banter.
Hastings' try scorer Taufaeteau Kaufononga receiving a bit of injury treatment now.
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Hastings Boys penalised for offside. Ref now talking to the Hastings' captain. Looking at the replay and it was definitely a tip tackle by Hastings' hooker.
Napier score off the penalty. Richie Magele, the TH prop.
Jacob Cotter converts.
17 - 15 Napier
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The good guys win!
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All in all, I don't think there was much between both teams, but mainly because of handling errors from Napier Boys'. Hastings Boys' defence was good, but a lot of Napier's turnovers came from knock-ons and dropped balls, although some of those as a result of forementioned good tackles from Hastings'. Napier's weak spot is their right wing; I've noticed that in a few games now; tackling being a huge problem. If Hastings works on their scrum, it could become a real weapon. The strength is there; just technique letting them down a bit.
Both teams play with a lot of new, inexperienced players, but Napier still have a few good leaders left in their team, most notably Ta$man Soanai-Oeti, Luke Thomas, Angus Prouting and CJ Mienie. There seems to be more cohesion in their team. Hastings Boys' have good players, have good skills, but no one really stands out, yet. That will come with time, I think. I liked what I saw from their try-scoring blindside flanker Taufaeteau Kaufononga.
It's my impression that both teams will struggle to finish in the top 2, this season. The real test for Napier will come on 26 July when they'll try to defend the Polson Banner in Palmerston North. Those Manawatū referees better be on their best behaviour, unlike previous years.