Southland under-19s open account with win in Taupo

Southland won their first game at the national under-19 rugby tournament in Taupo yesterday.

Southland beat Northland 23-22 after trailing 10-8 at halftime.

Southland’s try scorers were centre Kalepi Holi, left winger Jack Lewis and blindside flanker Jacob Coghlan. Halfback Jahvis Wallace kicked one conversion and two penalties.

Holi’s try 11 minutes from the end put Southland in front, coach Craig Pullar said.

‘‘The last three minutes they [Northland] came at us.’’

‘‘The scrums were a bit messy at times and our lineouts got better as the game went on.’’

Pullar acknowledged the strong work rates of Coghlan, Wallace, Holi and Josh Mackie. The team’s next game is on Wednesday.

An education and coaching day is planned at the tournament today. Topics to be discussed include health, eating and drugs. Mark Hammett, who played 29 tests for the All Blacks, is running a coaching clinic for front-rowers. Another former All Black, David Hill, will coach first-fives.

Seminars for coaches manages are also being held.

Tomorrow, the Southland team will review their game against Northland and train. They are guaranteed three games at the tournament which ends on Saturday.

Sixteen teams, including two from Auckland, are competing.

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