Hurricanes U20s edge Argentina U20s with last-gasp penalty

The Hurricanes U20s celebrated their first international fixture at Westpac Stadium in Wellington on Saturday evening by beating Argentinian U20s with a last play penalty.

With two minutes remaining Argentina was down 30-28 and won a penalty directly in front 20-metres out from goal. As the siren sounded replacement Tomas Albornoz chipped the ball over to propel the Junior Pumas ahead.

Referee Vincent Ringrose permitted one last kick-off which winger Malo Tuitama soared to steal for the hosts. The Hurricanes Zephyrs won a penalty five-metres in from the western touchline 25-metres out from goal, but opted for a lineout. The Zephyrs secured possession and after several phases won another penalty in the same position on the opposite touchline. A Pumas defender had attempted an intercept and was pinged for a deliberate knock down.

First five-eighth Tiaan Falcon, who had earlier slotted two conversions from the same side, struck the ball sweetly and the Hurricanes won a stirring victory.

Tuitama was a central figure. He charged down a kick in the first minute to score a try, but the Hurricanes were outplayed for most of the first-half by an enterprising Pumas back division. 

Centre Facundo Ferrario and first-five Juan Daireaux were particularly threatening engineering three tries for an 18-11 halftime lead.

Hurricanes reserve hooker Asafo Aumua added instant impact, rumbling over for a try to tie the scores, but Pumas wing Herrera completed his double to regain the lead for the visitors. Tuitama touched down again to wrestle the advantage back for the Hurricanes.

In the 68th minute Argentina lost a player to the sin bin, but rallied to control possession and territory to set up Alboronoz for what they thought would be the winning kick.

The Hurricanes senior side has the Super Rugby bye next weekend, but the Hurricanes Development Typhoons meet the Crusaders Knights in Levin next Saturday afternoon. The curtain-raiser to this match is HKRFU Premier club rugby season opening local derby between Levin College Old Boys and Levin Wanderers.

Hurricanes U20: 33 (Malo Tuitama 2, Asafo Aumua, Luther Hirini tries; Tiaan Falcon 3 pen, 2 con) Argentina U20:31 (Lopolodo Herrera 2, Santiago Carreras, Facundo Ferrario, Tomas Malanos, tries; Ferrario 1 pen Tomas Alboronoz 1 pen).

The Hurricanes U20s side was:

1. Tim Farrell (Old Boys University)
2. Leni Apisai (Northern United)
3. Alex Fidow (Oriental-Rongotai)
4. Isaia Walker-Leawere (Poneke)
5. Anthony Pettett (Johnsonville)
6. Hannon Brighouse (Napier Old Boys Marist)
7. Will Tremain (Old Boys University)
8. James Blackwell (Petone)
9. Kemara Hauiti-Parapara (Tawa)
10. Tiaan Falcon (Clive)
11. Malo Tuitama (Oriental-Rongotai)
12. Lester Maulolo (Petone)
13. Jonah Lowe (Clive)
14. Billy Proctor (Marist St Pat’s)
15. Ben Wurthmuller (PN Old Boys Marist)
RESERVES:
16. Asafo Aumua (Avalon)
17. Sitiveni Paongo (Tawa)
18. Pouri Rakete-Stones (Napier Pirate)
19. Brayden Iose (Kia Toa)
20. Liam Giltrap (PN Old Boys Marist)
21. Carlos Price (Petone)
22. Mitch Drew (Napier Old Boys Marist)
23. Luther Hirini (PN Old Boys Marist)