It’s not often that club teams can call on New Zealand representative players for added firepower but that is what happened for Poroporo and Ōpōtiki in the Baywide women’s competitions last weekend.

Poroporo were blessed by the services of Black Ferns Sevens’ speedster Mahina Paul, while Ōpōtiki benefited from the standout performance of Black Ferns’ hooker Luka Connor and Black Ferns’ development sevens player Tynealle Fitzgerald.

Paul, Connor and Fitzgerald showed what awesome club people they are by starting off the bench instead of taking a starters spot, a gesture that meant a lot to their fellow players.

Paul showed her skills and speed in the midfield to score an impressive hattrick that helped Poroporo to their first win of the season, a 30-27 victory over Rūātoki in the premier women’s division.

They were behind 27-25 and attacking the Rūātoki tryline when Poroporo first five eight Cheyne Copeland produced one of the best cross kicks you will see.

It was placed perfectly for Kadence Gates in her first game to run onto and score the winning try for Poroporo.

Coach Geri Paul was proud of the women and their efforts on the paddock.

“We picked up our first win for the season. It could've gone either way but I'm very proud of our girls who stood tall.”

All five of Poroporo’s tries went to their new players with Paul’s hattrick, Gates getting the winner and Shakiel Ratana-Manuel also finding her way across the white line.

Paul said all the players stood up and played a part in the victory.

“We are happy to get a five in the points column on the ladder. The girls have worked hard for it.

“Although the win proves that the hard work is worth it, it also means the hard work needs to be harder.”

She said Mahina Paul added much to the team and she was honoured to finally be able to represent her home club.

“Mahina, with all her skill and speed, adds so much more to the team. She had the option of how she wanted it to be announced that she was playing for us, and she didn't want any of it; just to put her name down on the team sheet. She only wanted to come off the bench (which was fine by us). That speaks more of her character than any accolades could. I can honestly say it’s humbling having her involved.”

Meanwhile, in the championship division, Ōpōtiki picked up an impressive 51-5 win over Te Puke Pirates.

Fitzgerald is making her way back to full fitness after injury ruined most of her 2024 campaign.

Player-coach Helena Coughlan was over the moon when Connor asked about donning the hometown colours.

"It was amazing having Luka and Tynealle come back home. The level of rugby they had to offer to us; it’s just another step of women’s rugby for us all to reach."

Coughlan said she knew for a while the pair were going to be available for the game.

"Their presence within the team was amazing; a different sort of feeling knowing our sisters have come home to jam, uplifting our team to another level of women’s rugby.

"Luka brought nothing but strong play, her communication and the experience she had to offer, talking from the moment we warmed up, to coming off the bench, her level of knowledge and skills she gave to the team.

“On the other hand, Tynealle’s first game back since surgery and it was like she never left. Her tackles, turn-over balls and strong runs were the Tynealle we know – always amongst the contact; she was at every breakdown hunting that ball. It was awesome having them play."

Coughlan said the win was another positive step in the right direction.

"A win is a bonus, but it’s not the win that gets me. It’s the way our ladies display themselves as players and as a person, show sportsmanship to their teammates and the opposite team, supporting and uplifting each other. That’s far better than a win; the attitude they bring to every training and to games."

This Sunday, Fitzgerald will be lacing up again as Ōpōtiki takes on high-flying Whakarewarewa team at Princess Street Reserve.

There is hope Connor, who is training with the Black Ferns, will be allowed to come back and don the colours again to help keep the Ōpōtiki winning streak alive.

Poroporo will also be hoping Mahina Paul might be able to wear the blue-white-and-red on a few more occasions. This weekend they face the difficult assignment of Tongariro, which should be an even contest.
Waimana put in a spirited showing but were beaten 25-5 by Kahu Pirates.
This weekend they are in action against Te Puke at the Waimana Domain.

STOKED: Luka Connor and Tynealle Fitzgerald were honoured to be able to don the Opotiki rugby colours once again. Photo Supplied.