Taranaki knock defending champions Wellington out of National U19 tournament

Wellington has relinquished its National U19 title, stumbling to a disappointing 29-10 defeat to Taranaki on the first day of the Jock Hobbs Memorial tournament in Taupo on Sunday.

Taranaki's victory was built on staunch defence and superior discipline.

They hassled Wellington into repeat mistakes and never allowed the defending champions to build consistent pressure.

Wellington lost the first half penalty count 9-2. That allowed Taranaki to control territory and accumulate four penalties from the educated right boot of Eli Kneepkens - he slotted two 45-metre kicks.

Wellington fullback Josh Robertson-Weepu nailed the longest penalty of the match. He opened the scoring with a 55-metre punt. Kneepkens quickly responded before Wellington enjoyed their best period of the match.

Second five-eighth Lester Maulolo scored a 45-metre try following a breach of the Taranaki defence by fleet-footed ten Piri Paraone.

However Wellington only made sporadic breaks for the remainder of the match. They were out hustled at the breakdown and suffered a serious case of butter fingers.

Fijian Schools winger Manasa Mataele scored both of Taranaki's tries, one in each half.

The first try was scored supporting a storming run from impressive No.8 Kolaia Nalewabau.
His second try was scored five minutes from fulltime when he retrieved a kick that bounced out of the grasp of left wing Malo Tuitama.

Maulolo and Parone were threatening with ball in hand but lacked support. Reserve hooker Joe Walding-Karaitiana played with passion his fellow forwards lacked.

The Taranaki pack, but especially Nalewabau, lock Fin Hoeata and openside flanker DuPlessis Kirifi, was outstanding. First five-eighth Daniel Waite was assured and Kneepkens kicked his goals.

Taranaki: 29 (Manasa Mataele 2 tries; Eli Kneepkens 2 con 5 pen) Wellington: 10 (Lester Maulolo try; Josh Robertson-Weepu 1 con, 1 pen) HT: 19-10

Wellington will play Auckland A in Wednesday’s consolation playoff match, whilst Taranaki go on to play Canterbury in their semi-final of the main draw.

Earlier today, Canterbury beat Auckland A 37-20 after leading 20-5 at halftime.

On the other side of the top four draw, Waikato will play Otago. Chiefs region seeding competition champions Waikato were dominant 67-12 winners over Manawatu and Otago sailed to a 31-8 lead over Blues winners North Harbour at the interval before winning 34-18.

There was a series of close games in the second tier Michael Jones Trophy competition, Southland edging Northland by a point, Hawke’s Bay claiming the battle of the Bays against the Junior BoP Steamers 18-14, Tasman enjoying a steady 34-22 win over Auckland B. Counties Manukau defeated the composite Heartland side 31-13 after scored were locked up at 6-6 at halftime.

Results from today’s Jock Hobbs Memorial Cup competition tournament:

Southland 23 – Northland 22
Hawke’s Bay 18 – Bay of Plenty 14
Tasman 34 – Auckland B 22
Waikato 67 – Manawatu 12
Counties Manukau 31 – Heartland 13
Canterbury 37 – Auckland A 20
Otago 34 – North Harbour 18
Taranaki 29 - Wellington 10

Wednesday’s matches:

Top 4 Premiership Graham Mourie Cup semi-finals
Waikato v Otago (4.20pm)
Canterbury v Taranaki (6.00pm)

Premiership Plate semi-finals
North Harbour v Manawatu (1.05pm)
Wellington v Auckland (3.05pm)

Bottom 8 Championship (Michael Jones Trophy) semi-finals
Southland v Counties Manukau (1.05pm)
Tasman v Hawke’s Bay (2.40pm)

Championship Plate semi-finals
Auckland B v Bay of Plenty (11.05am)
Northland v Heartland (11.05am)