Asthma attack ends Weepu’s debut for Bush

Former All Black halfback Piri Weepu’s debut for Wairarapa Bush ended dramatically when he was helped from the field, after suffering an apparent asthma attack.

Weepu lay prone on the field as he was treated by ambulance staff early in the second half. He was helped to his feet and walked off with assistance.

Weepu was replaced, as Wanganui ran rampant scoring 10 tries, to thump Wairarapa Bush 79-7 at Cooks Garden in the opening round of the Heartland Championship.

Stand-out second five Timoci Seruwalu grabbed three tries, while first-five Craig Clare notched up 26 points before being substituted after 55 minutes.

In the other semifinal rematch, Buller managed to hang on to beat South Canterbury 27-24 in Westport, after being up 17-0 at the break.

Flanker Luke Watson and prop Stephen Crackett were outstanding for Buller while second-five Isaac Hogarth also had a big game.

South Canterbury salvaged two points, with four second half tries and for being within seven points.

Two other former All Blacks had better luck with Corey Flynn’s West Coast beating a King Country side that included Alby Mathewson 17-6 in Taupo.

West Coast dominated the set pieces with tight head Daniel Davies a standout. The Coast’s midfield of Sean McClure and Logan Heath were strong in defence and made the most of the ball when it came their way.

Hooker Flynn came off the bench and lifted the players around him despite being short of a gallop.

King Country had retired the No 5 jersey in honour of Sir Colin Meads for the match so lock Michael Horrocks played without a number.

One-test All Black Regan King also started with a win as Mid Canterbury skipped past Poverty Bay 34-5 in Ashburton.

The Hammers scored 24 unanswered points in the second half, with lock Eric Duff the outstanding player on the park.

Horowhenua Kapiti made the most of home advantage in Levin beating North Otago 22-19 with a late try.

For Horowhenua Kapiti hooker Nathan Kendrick had a huge game while replacement blind side Louie Tovo had a big impact in the second half.

Thames Valley also got away to flying start with a six-try 42-13 win over East Coast in Ruatoria.