The McCall Fuel Whanganui Development XV got their representative campaign off to a winning start with a 41-7 victory over Wairarapa Bush Barbarians at Cooks Gardens on Saturday morning.

Played with an earlier 11am kickoff to accommodate the Steelform Whanganui vs Wellington Centurions match, the Development XV were into their work bright and early – with fullback Carliwyne Riddles scoring the opening try.

An automatic seven-point penalty try would also be scored.

Goal-kicking first-five Sheldon Pakinga then got a double, with other tries coming from reserve back  Rusiate Lalanabaravi and returning No8 Samu Kubunavanua - who was one of four players named who also got minutes in the next game for Whanganui against the Centurions.

Coach Danny Tamehana was happy with the effort.

“First hit out, and the boys were executing what we trained and what we talked about, so that was pleasing.

“We looked at trying to play an expansive game, which we achieved probably in the first 20 minutes, and then being off [without game time] for a while started kicking in and we still maintained a little bit of shape, but I guess a lack of fitness [told].”

Regular Bunnings Warehouse Heartland veterans like Kubunavanua and second-five Josaia Bogileka slotted in well and Tamehana was happy with their contribution.

“You noticed a big difference having some experience amongst the group there and the boys were all better players for it – they all led from the front.”

Halfback Daniel Kauika was captain for the game, with openside flanker Stuart Brosnahan the vice-captain.

The Development XV will now prepare for a greater challenge from the Heartland Hurricanes Under 20’s this coming weekend at Spriggens Park – the Hurricanes squad including five Whanganui players.

“Another step up, I imagine, so we’ve just got to train well this week and hopefully with one game under our belt we’ll be better for it,” said Tamehana.

By Jared Smith