With more Ranga legends in rep footy than ever before, we will aim to have regular updates from across the season so you can keep up to date with how our players are tracking.

Heartland
Our man Jerry Samania is finishing off his season down in the mighty Wairarapa playing Heartland Championship for Wairarapa Bush. He certainly made an impression in his first match of the season, scoring two tries on debut! The Bush have had two losses to start their campaign, but we look forward to following Jerry’s progress.

Auckland B (mens)
Three Ranga men were on the bus trip to Te Puke for the Auckland Bs match against Bay of Plenty. While it was a low scoring match, Auckland were dominant up front, of which Sesemani Tupou was heavily involved in. Both Oscar Cowley-Andrea and Moses Hafoka came off the bench and contributed well in the tight.

Auckland looked to have the game wrapped up at 21-5 but two late tries to Bay of Plenty bought them within two points, and they had a chance to steal the result with a late penalty but it was not on target.

Auckland Thunder (women)
Eden Mika lined up for the Thunder on Saturday, traveling away to Hamilton to face Waikato. The Thunder had a slow start, letting Waikato run away with an early lead which they could not pull back, final score 34-19.

Auckland Under 85kg
There was a strong Panther presence in the Auckland Under 85kg side on Saturday, with three players in the starting forward pack, and three starting in the backline. Playing against Counties Manukau, Auckland was trailing 7-14 until the Panthers created some magic. Jamie Petford and Francis Morrison both crossed for tries and then set two up – Auckland running in 28 unanswered points in the closing 10 minutes of the match to win 35-14.

Auckland Under 19
The Auckland Under 19s had the longest travel on Saturday, heading to Te Kuiti to play Taranaki. Four ranga lads were in the starting line up and in the thick of the action. Lotu Finau scoring in the first half and Cruiz Overend nabbing a runaway try late in the second. Auckland won 38-3.

Pictured: Lotu Finau (second from right) and Randall Baker (right) after the Under 19s match against Taranaki.

Article added: Wednesday 28 August 2024