New Zealand Side Held

A try in the closing minutes gave The New Zealand Divisional side a 35 all draw against Italy

A try in the closing moments from full back Tim Manawatu gave Noel McQuilikin’s New Zealand Divisional Selection a 35-35 draw against Italy on Sunday. It was a game that the Italians looked to have won when they led 17-8 at half-time and again 35-23 in the final quarter but Manawatu’s try, three minutes from time, tied the game and Mano Flutey had the chance to snatch victory but his kick went wide of the posts.

McQuilkin, although unhappy with the way his side made mistakes that gave tries he was however pleased with the way his side rallied. We hung in there and and I think the team showed a lot of bottle. Not many gave us a chance when we trailed 35-23, but in fairness to our guys they showed pride. Remember ours is an amateur side who were up against a professional international side, and we still managed to win the try count five four. So all in all not a bad day’s work.

The Divisional side shape up to Ireland on Saturday in Timaru.