Matchday Scoring Highlights: Wellington U16s (20) v Hawke’s Bay U16s (17)

The two teams met in round one of the 2026 Hurricanes Youth Council U16 competition at Lyndhurst Park, Tawa, on Saturday.

A very even game that could have gone either way and duly went down to the last play with Manawatu just failing to come up with the try at the death after a torrid period of attack.

Match highlights below, or view at Club Rugby TV here: https://www.youtube.com/clubrugbynz

There had been no scoring until the 25th minute until a single lightning play set the game away. Wellington had a strong scrum formation, and from their own halfway halfback Max Crown broke free and set up centre RJ So’oialo and the son of the 54-test All Black Rodney set off on a run to the line. Right on halftime, right wing Nate Sivewright finished off a good team try in the clubrooms corner. 10-0 at halftime.

Both teams missed early second half chances but Manawatu turned it over as Wellington ran it out of their 22 and German centre Moritz Thonfeld scored. 10-7. Wellington failed to get their lineout going in windy conditions, but No. 8 Vane Kamoto scored from a subsequent attacking scrum in the corner. 17-7. Manawatu came roaring back and scored in the opposite corner. 17-12. Wellington regained territory and kicked a rare – these days – penalty. 20-12. Manawatu scored again after a concerted period of attack. 20-17. Then vigorously attacked to the end but came up short.

The HYRC tournament-proper returns to Whanganui Collegiate next week, 5-7 October. Rounds two and three are on Monday and Tuesday and Finals Day is Wednesday.

Look out for our preview later this week. 

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Photo Galleries of this match: