On Saturday Kia Toa had too much firepower for Varsity, although the students were willing. Varsity started well and scored the first try, with locks Kahurangi Sturmey and Aliena Wallis and prop Ngano Tavake making big carries. Their lineout was malfunctioning in the first half and Kias had an edge in the scrums. Varsity had long periods of possession in the first spell, riding on the back of penalties, but couldn’t break through.
David Unwin/Stuff
Kia Toa first five-eighth Carys Dallinger on the break against Varsity. They would work their way up field, before the ruthless Kias would undo the hard work with a break and gallop 50 metres, scoring four first-half tries to lead 24-5 at halftime.