Thousands live-stream rugby finals
Sunday, Aug 16 2020
By Will Johnston
Unbeaten Tukapa finished the season in style beating Inglewood 33-29 to take Taranaki’s premier club rugby title at the TET Stadium on Saturday.
It was an unusual occasion with crowds not permitted because of the Covid-19 level two restrictions. Instead, as of this morning, the game had attracted more than 4000 views on its live stream.
Fans were treated to end-to-end rugby because both teams played an attractive, skilful style in perfect conditions.
Tukapa had to battle for its 17th title because Inglewood’s physicality and forward prowess was evident.
However, Tukapa got out to a positive 14-0 lead inside the first 20 minutes dominating territory and possession.
First-five eight Jayson Potroz slotted three early penalties before loose forward Mairenga Laapo scored in the corner. Potroz was unable to convert the try.
Inglewood stormed back with two tries just before the break. The first, off a driving maul from a lineout, was scored by hooker Millenium Sanerivi after having control of the ball at the back.
The second was from a scrum in which Inglewood dominated Tukapa and flanker Jack White scored in the corner unopposed. Hall only converted one try giving Tukapa a 14-12 advantage at the break.
Just after halftime referee Cam Stone awarded Inglewood a penalty try after Tukapa’s scrum folded under pressure five metres from the line. This gave the home team the lead.
Tukapa replied immediately with three tries. The first of these was by midfielder Lukas Halls, who scored twice. He showed immense power to break through five defenders to crash over the line. Wing Isaac Kneepkens then scored before a kick and chase from Potroz set up Halls’ second try.
Tukapa seemed to have control of the match but Inglewood fought its way back with 10 minutes remaining, despite losing its shape when Hall left the field with an injury.
Potroz was sin-binned by Stone for a cynical infringement and moments later Sanerivi dived under the defence to score his second try. Luke Brown slotted a quick conversion.
Tukapa’s defence tightened up late in the game to force an error capping off its unbeaten season.
In the other finals, New Plymouth Old Boys won the Division 1 title 31-27 over Southern, Normanby pipped Tukapa 13-11 in the Division 2 game and Coastal beat Stratford/Eltham 27-25 in the Colts final.
At a glance:
Tukapa 33 (Lukas Halls 2, Mairenga Laapo, Isaac Kneepkens tries; Jayson Potroz 2 con, 3 pen)
Inglewood 29 (Millenium Sanerivi 2, Jack White, penalty try tries; Cody Hall con, pen, Luke Brown con)
HT: 14-12