19 April 2025
The 2025 National 9s Tournament kicked off today seeing players and supporters from throughout Aotearoa flock to Auckland’s Bruce Pulman Park. Ex-cyclone Tam’s strong winds blistered across the fields but conditions remained fine as the rain held off. Day 1 produced exciting, fast-paced matches in both boys and girls 18s grades.
With the Wellington Orcas taking out the crown last year, they came out strong again in their hunt for back-to-back titles. Facing off against Manawatu first up, a tight affair saw them tied up 4-4 at half time. Wellington capitalised in the second with two tries, which was enough to see them take out the game despite a late try from Manawatu. Final score 12-8.
Auckland Blue took on Northern to start their campaign. After a quick try in the left corner, the teams went one for one for tries before Auckland scored again to take the half time lead three tries to one. In the second half Auckland ran away with it, the score finishing up 20-4.
Elsewhere in the draw, Bay of Plenty took out their first game against Southland 16-4, whereas Waikato edged out Auckland White 10-8.
In round 2, Wellington was too good for Northern, whereas in Waikato versus Bay of Plenty, Bay of Plenty took their second win, taking it out 10-4.
The last games of the day for the 18 boys were all close at half time, Wellington looking for their third win leading Auckland Blue 10-0, Waikato leading Southland 6-0 and Auckland White one try behind Bay of Plenty at 4-0. Manawatu were also up on Northern.
Manawatu went on to take the game convincingly, as did Waikato against Southland 30-4. Wellington and BOP both put 16 on their Auckland opponents to take the wins. That left only Wellington and Bay of Plenty with three wins from three, each topping their sections as they head into finals day.
With no Canterbury in the mix to defend their title, everyone was on the hunt in the 18s Girls division.
Auckland White were no match for Manawatu in their first game, Manawatu making back-to-back errors in the first half off the kick offs, coughing up the ball and letting Manawatu in multiple times. After three first half tries, Manawatu ran out with it in the second half to take the game 34-0.
In a tougher match up in the second round, Manawatu saw themselves pitted against Wellington. Manawatu scored early to take it to the Orcas. After a few close attempts, Wellington took them on down the middle, before crossing near the left upright. A conversion saw them take the lead 6-4.
After hunting down the left edge, Wellington turned the ball over. Manawatu capitalised finding space on the right wing, sprinting round the Orcas winger to cross and take back the lead. A kick off fumble saw Manawatu scoop the ball up and score in quick succession, taking it out to 12-6. Wellington didn’t give up however, taking a few cracks before crossing under the uprights right on the hooter, converting to take it to a 12-12 draw.
In a North vs South clash in the first round, Southland went down early before trailing 8-4 at half time. The fightback wasn’t to be, a Northern breakaway from the halfway line all but sealing the deal, the final score 16-4.
It was a close encounter for Wellington versus Waikato, Waikato taking the win 8-4 before backing it up against Auckland White 18-0.
In the final round of the day, Wellington scored quickly against Auckland White as they looked for their first win. A number of successive tries saw them take a convincing lead into the half 22-0. Wellington piled on more points finishing 36-0.
As well, Southland opened the scoring against Auckland Blue, carving straight through the middle. However, Auckland got one back not long after to level it up before crossing again not long after to take the lead. The second half was all Auckland with some lovely breaks down the wings especially seeing them take the game 24-4. That win saw Auckland Blue take the lead in the standings for their section over Northland.
Manawatu also took out Waikato 28-0 to take them top of their section heading into Day 2, Waikato narrowly behind with both teams having won two games.
For all draws and results, visit Sporty.
And to watch all the finals on Day 2, watch our free livestream.
