Over the weekend eight Northland players played representative rugby from Super Rugby, Super Development and Super Under 20’s games.

Obviously Matt Moulds started at hooker for the Blues in their game against the Chiefs on Friday night. Matt’s work rate, particularly on defence was outstanding through his 60 minutes of rugby. In a beaten team he was one of the Blues stand out performers.

The Blues Development played the Chiefs Development as the curtain raiser game. These Development teams are made up of fully contracted Super players outside the game day 23 players and Provincial Union players who are called in to make a full 23 man team.

Super players Kara Pryor, loose forward and Josh Goodhue, lock started for the Blues, while Solomon Alaimalo, fullback started for the Chiefs. All three players performed well, with Solomon making some game changing breaks in the second half , culminating in a try for the Chiefs Development.

Jordan Hyland, starting winger, Namatahi Waa, reserve prop and Howard Sililoto, reserve prop also played in this game for the Blues Development. Again all three players had solid games with Jordan setting up the games first try and both Namatahi and Howard adding impact in the last quarter of the game.

Chiefs Development won this game 35-14. Blues Development dominated set piece, but struggled to get any gain line and continuity. Costly ball control errors gifted the Chiefs Development territory and possession at vital times. The two teams play each other again in two weeks time in Auckland.

Lastly Tamati Tua, midfield played for the Blues Under 20’s against the Hurricanes Under 20’s in Wellington on Saturday. Tamati and the Blues Under 20’s were coming off a victory against the Chiefs Under 20’s from the week before. Blues Under 20’s started strongly jumping out to a 19-7 lead, with Tamati having a strong impact.

Penalties and an inability to stop a Hurricanes Under 20’s lineout drive proved costly as the Hurricanes getting home 33-29. Tamati now looks to present at the next NZ Under 20’s camp in a weeks time.

We wish Tamati and all Northland boys the best in the coming weeks with their various Super and representative fixtures. Lastly we hope Danny Pryor (Highlanders), Jone Macalai (Crusaders) and Sam Nock (Blues) speedy recoveries from their injuries.