Manawatu’s Lion tamers
Duo helps Highlanders to epic win
Jackson Hemopo and Kayne Hammington became the first Manawatu players to beat the British and Irish Lions since 1983 as they helped the Highlanders to a 23-22 win on Tuesday night.
Gary Knight and Mark Shaw were the last Manawatu men to achieve the feat when they played four tests for the All Blacks against the Lions in 1983, winning all four.
With Manawatu and Manawhenua (a combined Manawatu and Horowhenua team) having never beaten the Lions, the only Manawatu players to beat the have both been used sparingly in the Highlanders’ Super Rugby campaign, a chance to play leading roles.
And they took it with both hands.
Feilding Yellows halfback Hammington put in a clinical display.
Stepping out of the shadow of fellow Manawatu halfback Aaron Smith, Hammington relished his extended minutes, before being subbed in the 75th minute.
His crisp pass and good decision making helping them combat the Lions’ rush-defence.
Kia Toa lock-loose forward Hemopo has played just six games so far this year, but did his chances of playing a bigger role no harm with his 80-minute effort.
His work-rate on and off the ball was eye-catching.
Speaking to Sky post-match, Hemopo said it was a high-tempo match.
‘‘After the first five minutes I did not know how I was going to last the 40,’’ he said. ‘‘There was such a big crowd and the adrenalin kicked in and the boys brought the excitment off the bench, especially in the final 20 minutes. It really picked me up and gave me a second wind. I could have gone another 20.’’
Both teams scored first half tries and the score was locked at 10-10 at halftime.
But early in the second half, the Lions appeared to take control of the game.
Scottish wing Tommy Seymour defused a Lima Sopoaga cross-field kick and sprinted 40m for a try before captain Sam Warburton crossed from short range.
After 55 minutes, the Lions led 22-13.
But the Highlanders sprung back to life and gave the tourists a taste of their own medicine.
Hooker Liam Coltman scored a try from the back of a rolling maul then in the 74th minute, the Highlanders pack walked over the Lions’ scrum winning a penalty, which Marty Banks slotted.
There were no Manawatu players in the triumphant Blues team, while the Crusaders, who lost to the Lions 12-3, featured Heiden Bedwell-curtis and Michael Alaalatoa.
Plenty more Manawatu men have chances to pick up wins over the Lions this tour.
Nehe Milner-skudder and Otere Black will feature in the New Zealand Maori team this Saturday, while Black, Milnerskudder and out-going Manawatu men Chris Eves and Callum Gibbins are all likely to play for the Hurricanes on June 27.
Ngani Laumape, Smith and Aaron Cruden are in the All Blacks’ squad with the latter two likely to get three tests.