Weepu Magic Puts Wainui Out In Front Of Hardham Standings

All Blacks halfback Piri Weepu played a pivotal part in Wainuiomata's resounding 53-5 third round Hardham Cup win over Poneke B. Weepu, who joins the All Blacks in Christchurch this week ahead of the Bledisloe Cup clash against Australia bade farewell to Wainuiomata with a 23-point haul. As well as scoring two tries himself in Wainuiomata's eight tries to nil rout of the Harper Lock Shield champions, he also kicked five conversions and a penalty. Wainuiomata's third win sees them leading the points table, ahead of Oriental-Rongotai in second.

Fellow All Blacks Chris Masoe and Ma'a Nonu joined Weepu on the Hardham Cup playing fields and didn't disappoint the fans that turned out to see them up close. Johnsonville were guided to a crucial 40-21 victory over Northern United at Porirua Park by their All Black for the day Masoe. Masoe scored a hat trick of tries, which was the difference in Johnsonville's six tries to three win. Ma'a Nonu's steadying influence was manifested in Ories' comfortable 34-10 victory over Hutt Old Boys Marist B at the Hutt Recreation Ground.

In heavy underfoot conditions, Ories eventually subdued HOBM, and led 12-3 approaching halftime with tries to left wing Andre Pakau and No. 8 Maehe Austin. But when Nonu himself scored a try just before the break to make it 17-3 the result was never in doubt for unbeaten Ories. Nonu's try came from quick ball off the top of the lineout from his own side of halfway, with first five-eighth Mau Lolo accelerating up field and linking with Nonu for the try. Another three tries in the second half, including Pakau's second, sealed the deal.

In the match without any All Blacks Upper Hutt proved too classy for Wests at Ian Galloway Park, running out 36-10 for a bonus point win. With clear skies above, both teams wanted to play an expansive style in this week's feature match. Both backlines looked to use the ball but Upper Hutt's accuracy, and first-five Ben Aoina's organisation, held the key throughout the match.

Upper Hutt opened the scoring from a slick backline move, finishing off with a strong forward drive for openside flanker Blair Cowan to score. Two further penalties mid-way through the half to Upper Hutt started to give them momentum. They finished off the half with another well-drilled try to fullback Nua Fono, taking a commanding 24-nil lead into the second half.

Wests were desperate for early second half points, and they started to gain some control with field position in their favour and some effective teamwork from their midfield backs. But poor options and some strong Upper Hutt defence kept them out. Some more slick play from Upper Hutt's backs led to their third try to second five-eighth Ollie O'Leary, his ninth of the season.

Late in the game the match started to lose shape, as Upper Hutt were keen on a bonus point try, and Wests equally keen to give their fans something to go home with. Upper Hutt secured that bonus try to hooker Joe Ritchie. Though Wests did score a try late in the match, after a lot of time in Upper Hutt's half, they would have been disappointed not to have come up with more second half points.

With two big results in as many weeks for Upper Hutt, they will be a tough side to knock over in the coming rounds.