31 October 2020
It was the much-anticipated battle of the two islands with the Northland Swords receiving the opening kick only to be hit by stiff Otago defence. The high intensity did not dissipate, as each tackle in the opening few sets for both teams backed with force.
The Whalers first chance off a set piece inside Swords territory produced points as a great backline move saw Fullback Tama Apineru cross over in the right corner. Try converted by Mackenzie Haugh opened the scoring at 6-0.
The Swords succeeded in retaliating immediately as their first set with the ball resulted in points. Halfback Jesse Epiha regathered a grubber from Levita Levita to score under the posts. Converted by Levita to even the score with half an hour remaining in the half.
A great set off their own goal line ended in spectacular fashion as once again a grubber saw the Northern Swords earn points. This time it was left-wing speedster Tevita Henare-Schuster chasing a long grubber to score in the left hand corner. Levita unsuccessful with the conversion leaving the score at 6-10.
Lock forward, Jake Fowler looked strong for the Otago Whalers early on, with decisive runs and hefty defence causing problems for the Swords.
A back and forth fixture saw chances for both Otago and Northland go begging, despite this, the Swords were the ones who capitalised, adding to their score through interchange Manaaki Tawhiwhirangi. A successful conversion saw the lead increase by 6 bringing the score to 6-16 with just under 20 minutes remaining in the half.
Momentum was clearly on the Northern Swords side as on the ensuing set, an offload from captain Ross McFarlane gifted Manaaki Tawhiwhirangi his second in under five minutes. Levita, who has kicked well all day converted to bring the score to 6-22.
Otago refused to quit as a few great runs gave them good field position on the Swords goaline. A cross kick was placed for left winger Saimone Samate who leaped into the air to catch the ball and score. The conversion was missed to bring the score to 10-22 as the half time hooter sounds.
Swords were the more clinical team in the first half, less errors saw them in better chances to score, hence the lead.
A slight drizzle greased the field as the teams returned for the second half, Otago used this to their advantage marching down the length of the field in their opening set.
The Whalers found themselves camped on the Swords goal line earning a number of repeat sets. Which finally resulted in points with Simone Fa’oso crashing over for the opening try of the half. A missed conversion left the score at 14-22.
Multiple errors saw both teams hand over possession in the centre of the park, the rain playing its part in this grand final.
The Otago centres played their part in this fixture, both Fa’aoso and Solia were a menace to tackle for the Swords.
A dropped intercept from Swords winger Eroni Biukoto almost saw the Northern side seal the game.
With under 20 minutes remaining the game remained at 14-22 as a combination of great defence and errors from both sides did not allow one another to take hold of the second half.
The intensity began to pick up in the latter stages of the half, led by right centre Tofatuimoana Solia.
With great field position the Whalers placed a cross kick in again looking for left winger Saimone Samate. However a great cover tackle from Eroni Biukoto saw him pushed over the touch line.
Again, the Whalers found themselves on the Swords goaline, and after a scrappy last tackle option the scoring drought was finally broken through lock Jake Fowler score, a well deserved try from the Otago workhorse. The try was converted to bring the score to a tantalising 20-22 with seven minutes remaining.
The rain causing problems once again, the Whalers hooker Troy Antsiss losing the ball in their own half to give the Swords great field position.
In a crazy sequence a fifth tackle grubber from the Northern Swords was blocked and recovered by the Otago Whalers. This was then kicked through to chase by right wing Piliu Tavake who would have surely score had he picked it up. Unfortunately for him an error saw the Swords hold on with two minutes remaining.
With less than a minute remaining the Otago Whalers go 80 metres in an attempt to win this game, a kick that went too strong saw the Northern Swords hold on to win the 2020 NZRL championship 22 – 20.
A nail biter of a game, wonderful conclusion to a great competition.
The Canterbury Bulls and Akarana Falcons will be happy campers both coming away with the win after the first round of the National Premiership.
In a hotly contested match-up, the Cantabrians sent a strong message to their opposition that they mean business in 2018 taking home a narrow 20-18 win over the Stingrays at Mt Smart Stadium two.
Both teams may have crossed the line for three tries but it was the handy boot of Canterbury Bulls captain James Baxendale which sealed the deal with two points being the difference on the final whistle.
Earlier in the year, Canterbury Bulls Coach Andrew Auimatagi led his Linwood Keas team to a thriller Canterbury Club Grand-Final win over the Hornby Panthers and he’s already taking his early season form into the National Premiership.
While Counties weren’t victorious, they’ll have plenty of positives to stew over fielding a young side full of up and coming talent with the likes of youngster Sheldon Roger, who has come through the New Zealand Rugby League age-group pathways featuring in last year’s New Zealand 18s squad.
2017 National Premiership winners and favourites, the Akarana Falcons also proved why they’ve held the title as back-to-back champions in 2016 and 2017 asserting their dominance over Waikato with a 46-6 win.
The blowout scoreline was the result of a superb team effort that saw Akarana fullback Polima Siaki pick up a double and six of his teammates cross the line to accumulate eight tries in total, seven of which were converted between captain Francis Leger and Chaz Brown.
Waikato’s cause wasn’t helped when their star fullback left the field with a serious injury. However, the players were full of enthusiasm heading into round two where they’ll take on Canterbury who will be riding the high of momentum following their round one win.
In the National Championship, Northland staged an upset on their home turf with a 16-14 victory over the Wellington Orcas. Ruakaka turned out a cheerful crowd who witnessed their home team in a nail-biter sending the Orcas packing on a long trip home to reflect on their performance.
National Premiership
Counties 18 Canterbury 20 Akarana 46 Waikato 6
National Championship
Northland 16 Wellington 14
Next week’s fixtures:
National Premiership Canterbury v Waikato Christchurch Stadium 2pm, Saturday, 22 September, 2018
Akarana v Counties Manukau Mt Smart Stadium 2 4pm, Saturday, 22 September, 2018
National Championship Wellington v Otago 2pm, Saturday, 22 September 17, 2018 Petone Recreation Ground, Wellington
