Sideline Conversions 23 February (some rugby news to start the week)

Above: General scene at Massey on Saturday in the first week of the Academy Series between Wellington, Manawatu and Hawke’s Bay.

The first weekend of 15s rugby is in the can, many more to come.

Nice for many to be back at the stadium, an official crowd of just shy of  14,000,  but it will be great to get back to club grounds in a few weeks.

Still a couple of weeks away for most before pre-season community rugby gets underway. It is on our radar to gather and collate a list of all these games coming up throughout March and publish in a single article here. Perhaps later this week.

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The Hurricanes are off to Churchill Park, Lautoka, to play the Fijian Drua in their second and the competition’s third round match this Saturday at 4.35pm.

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Hawke’s Bay are in the box seat to win the second annual Sam Doyle Trophy Academy series, played between themselves and the Wellington and Manawatu Academies.

In the first of two weekends of the “game of three halves” series, Hawke’s Bay had a pair of wins by the same score – 17-5 – over Manawatu and Wellington. Both were well deserved and were the result of defensive and breakdown pressure and minimising self-made mistakes that the other two sides made plenty of.

The first ‘half’ kicked off at Massey between Manawatu and Wellington and was an even game. Wellington was typically strong up front, while Manawatu looked for width often, although they tried to do too much on several occasions. The difference was a 70-metre intercept try to Manawatu as they won 12-10. This try here:

Hawke’s Bay took the field and went ahead early with their first try to openside flanker Drew Berg-McLean. He would be held up over the line later in the half before being subbed and returning later in the second game against Wellington.

Some strong carries by fellow loosies Patrick Mauga and Perez Malo followed, leading to their second try out wide to left wing Konnor Vainu. Manawatu replied after about 35 minutes to replacement Joseph Nicola with a weaving run up the middle to the tryline to make it 7-7. With just a couple of minutes to play, halfback L’sharn Reiri-Paku kicked a penalty to re-take the lead, which was followed by a try on fulltime to prop Louie Uregei. Amongst others, Hawke’s Bay’s new midfield impressed, last year’s Tawa College captain Malachai Osman and NZ School’s centre Triumph Voice.

Wellington re-entered the arena of play to meet the Junior Magpies and started well but couldn’t finish off chances inside the 22. Hawke’s Bay rallied and broke free to score first to make it 7-0. That score remained for a good 20 minutes before Wellington broke clear and scored an equaliser which first-five Liam Slight converted for a 7-7 scoreline. Just as they had against Manawatu, Hawke’s Bay roared late to score their second try and then their third at the end.

Same place, same time next week for leg two of a ‘game of three halves’ and the winner will be presented with the Sam Doyle Memorial Trophy on fulltime.

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Hutt Old Boys Marist beat Foxton in the final of the Foxton 10s on Saturday. Waikanae vs Fijian Flyers for 3rd/4th was called off after a midgame altercation.

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In rugby on Sunday news, a touring Argentinian side San Isidro met a combined Petone-Paremata-Plimmerton Barbarians side, a Ponke Colts Barbarians team coached by Toby Robson and Palauni Moananu and a Petone XV (featuring a few well known recent premier players such as August Collins and Thomas Tupuivao, Luke Flett and Dan Farani) in an afternoon and evening of rugby at North Park and at the Petone clubrooms. Photos of some of this action coming up on our pages early this week.

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The Crusaders beat the Hurricanes Hunters 55-38 in the second round of the New Zealand Super Rugby Development competition at the Linwood Rugby Club in Christchurch (some more on Linwood below). The Crusaders outscored the visitors nine tries to six and led 33-19 at halftime.

Played in clear but sometimes blustery conditions, the Crusaders, in their second outing of the series, were more clinical than the Hurricanes, playing in their first fixture. The hosts were not especially imaginative, with a third of their tries coming from lineout drives and a couple more from close range after strong pick and goes. As far as the Crusaders go, this is standard fare.

Captain and openside Oli Mathis was lively. The former All Blacks Sevens representative made plenty of headway in possession, scored a try, and was a pest at the ruck. No.8 Johnny Lee from Tasman resembles All Black Cullen Grace with his full-throttle approach and aerial prowess.

Nelson Marist halfback Will Thornelly continued his eye-catching zest from the National Club Sevens, and strapping Otago winger Jae Broomfield caused the Hurricanes so many headaches that his left boot was tossed onto the clubhouse roof after it was removed by a would-be tackler.

For the Hurricanes, Vernon Bason was explosive. The Manawatu hooker scored a try and absolutely flattened Crusaders fullback Logan Williams, who coughed up possession, which led to a try while he recovered. To Williams’ credit, the small and stoic Sydenham lad proved durable and elusive thereafter.

Openside Cooper Flanders was urgent and was rewarded with a try. From the reserves bench, Tongan international Taniela Filimone charged with gusto and All Blacks tighthead prop Tyrel Lomax administered some lessons in scrummaging in an imperious cameo.

A concern for the Hurricanes was a head knock sustained by Riley Higgins, who departed in the first half. In 2025, he underwent surgery on his left shoulder.

The recent trend of “Box Kick-itis” was prevalent, with one aimless contestable claimed by the shortest player on the field. The Crusaders kicked the ball dead from a penalty on the Hurricanes’ 22, and the Hurricanes then dispatched the restart out on the full. Higgins hooked an early crosskick 20 metres backwards, but at least it did not cost a try, unlike a complete misfire from Will Coles.

Update:  A reader has corresponded that there doesn’t appear to be any footage or coverage of this game online. Hello rugby union promoters, is anyone out there? Would a NRL Reserve Grade game go uncovered?

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You know its getting tight out there when photographers at Hurricanes games this year are asked to BYOB – bring your own bib.

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The Upper Hutt Rams are chasing Jubilee Cup glory this year and will look to light up Maidstone Park. However, should they get home playoff games on Saturday 4 July and Saturday 18 July (likely semi-final) then they won’t be at Maidstone Park as the Hurricanes Poua are booked there those afternoons to play Super Rugby Aupiki games. So it could be off the Maoribank or TMP or NZIS for them and the hundreds or low thousands of locals that will support them if they have a chance to make the Jubilee Cup final. Ditto other teams such as their Premier Reserves and Colts.

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2026 HURRICANES POUA SEASON DRAW (All kick-off times in NZT)

Round 1: v Blues at Eden Park, Auckland – 2:05pm Saturday, 13 June*
Round 2: v Matatū at Maidstone Park, Upper Hutt – 2:05pm Sunday, 21 June*
Round 3: v Chiefs Manawa at Navigation Homes Stadium, Pukekohe – 5:05pm Saturday, 27 June
Round 4: v Blues at Maidstone Park, Upper Hutt – 2:35pm Saturday, 4 July
Round 5: v Matatū at Fraser Park, Timaru – 2:05pm Saturday, 11 July
Round 6: v Chiefs Manawa at Maidstone Park, Upper Hutt – 12:35pm, Saturday, 18 July
Super Rugby Aupiki Final: Saturday, 25 July (TBC Time and Venue)
Super Rugby Aupiki/Super W Crossover: Saturday, 1 August (TBC Time and Australian Venue)

*Kick-off times subject to Super Rugby Pacific scheduling

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In Quadrangular Tournament news, Sideline Conversions understands that this year’s 100th Quad tournament at Whanganui will be pushed back from being played on Tuesday and Thursday to Thursday and Saturday. The tournament was formally played on these days, before being brought forward to be played on the Tuesday and Thursday of the last week of term before the August School Holidays (source ‘Cradle of Rugby’ book) and latterly the end of June.

Who would be in a best of Wellington College Quadrangular Tournament XV 1925-2025? Not a straight best of team as some high profile players considered for that such as Ken Gray, Charles Rushbrook and Jack Lamason, didn’t play First XV, and some other well known players failed to win the Quad and lesser ones played star turns. We have some ideas for a few names to get this list underway.

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Reports of Sky TV putting their prices up 10 percent – ouch. What is the tipping point for most people?

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Club Red Tape to Be “Kicked for Touch” …

The Government is intending to amend section 29 of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012, which stipulates that a sport club cannot hold an “on-license” for serving alcohol. Under the proposed change, sports clubs will be able to choose between holding a “club license” (which only allows alcohol to be served to club members or their guests), or an “on-license” (which will allow alcohol to be served to members of the public).

The Hon Nicole McKee, Associate Minister of Justice says, “this change gives clubs real choice. They can keep their club license if it suits them, or they can apply for an on-license and serve the wider public under the same rules as bars and restaurants – including having a trained duty manager on site whenever alcohol is being served.”

“With greater freedom to host events, attract more customers, and grow revenue, clubs will be better placed to keep fees low for members, fund travel for sports teams, upgrade facilities, and invest in new equipment. These are real, tangible benefits that flow straight back into local communities.”

The above from the New Zealand Amateur Sport Association’s “For The Love Of The Game” E-Zine : Issue 195 : 22 February 2026.

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Previously out of form Ireland smashed England 42-21 in the Six Nations to achieve their biggest ever victory at Twickenham and just their 19th in 71 trips to London. Ireland has won six of their previous seven internationals against England, but just 54 of 143 all-time. Their previous biggest win at Twickenham was 32-15 in 2022. In that game, England lock Charlie Ewels received the fastest red card in Championship history after just 82 seconds. Ireland’s biggest win against England was 43-13 at Croke Park in Dublin in 2007. England have won 244 out of their 368 internationals at Twickenham. It’s their first loss at the “Home of Rugby” in nine internationals. They were beaten 29-20 by South Africa in 2024. England’s biggest defeat at Twickenham was 53-10 against France in 2022. The All Blacks’ biggest wins at Twickenham were 41-20 in 2006 and 32-6 in 2008.

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Linwood Rugby Club hosted the Hurricanes Development side. Located in the east of Christchurch, Linwood is one of Canterbury’s oldest and most successful rugby clubs. Working class in character, Linwood have been Canterbury champions in 1895, 1896, 1897, 1898, 1899, 1902, 1915, 1938, 1943, 1944, 1964, 1966, 1967, 1973, and 2024. In 2024, Linwood emulated Tawa by charging home from eighth in the round robin to win the final 39-32 against University, despite a hat-trick from Jae Broomfield for the students.

Linwood’s most famous All Blacks include Tane Norton, for whom their home ground is named. Richie Mo’unga and Alex Hodgman, who also played for Australia. The Franks brothers, Owen and Ben, the Mauger brothers, Aaron and Nathan, and the Bachop brothers, Stephen and Graham, call Linwood home. Connor Garden Bachop’s funeral was held at the Linwood club.

In 2025, Linwood lost the Metro final to Marist Albion on a last-play try. Marist, coached by former OBU Jubilee Cup winner Sam Chamberlain, advanced from their own 22, built more than 20 phases, and scored at least four minutes after 80 had elapsed in one of the most exciting endings possible.

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The Brumbies’ most recent victory in New Zealand against the Crusaders, before Sunday’s 50-24 victory at Apollo Projects Stadium (12 matches ago), was a 17-12 success at the old Lancaster Park (Jade Stadium) in Round 2, 2000. Every player in the starting XV of both teams was or became an international. For the Brumbies, Mitch Hardy and Andrew Walker scored tries, with Stirling Mortlock adding two conversions and a penalty. Leon MacDonald kicked four penalties for the Crusaders.

The Crusaders have conceded 50 points on five occasions, with the most being 58 in a 58-26 loss to the Sharks in Durban in 1996. In that game, Cabous van der Westhuizen and Joos Joubert each scored two tries, and Springboks first-five Henry Honiball (35 Tests, 27 wins) kicked 16 points. The biggest losing margin the Crusaders have suffered was a 52-16 loss to the Reds in Brisbane in 1996. Lock John Eales kicked 22 points, including conversions of fellow lock Garrick Morgan’s two tries. In 2001, the Brumbies beat the Crusaders 51-16 in Canberra. Owen Finegan, a try scorer in the Wallabies 1999 Rugby World Cup final win, scored three tries and Stirling Mortlock kicked 18 points. The 1996 champion Blues beat the Crusaders 49-18 in Christchurch, converting just three of their eight tries. All Blacks loose forward Andrew Blowers celebrated a double.

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This Monday column is also a collaborative effort and contributions are welcome. Please get in touch at editor@clubrugby.co.nz

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