Rugby: Naholo's impact continues Clifton’s record

File photo by John Velvin.

Kini Naholo made an impressive return for Clifton in Taranaki premier club rugby on Saturday after nearly a year on the sidelines.

The Hurricanes winger came off the bench in his side’s 47-17 win over United at Tikorangi, marking his first significant appearance since rupturing his ACL during a Hurricanes clash against the Chiefs in May last year.

The serious knee injury required surgery and sidelined Naholo for the remainder of the Super Rugby season, as well as Taranaki’s National Provincial Championship campaign.

It had been a cruel introduction to professional rugby for the 27-year-old, who had battled ankle, hip and hamstring injuries, along with two ACL ruptures.

He said it was good to be back on his home ground, after playing for a short period in the Hurricanes' development side earlier this year. 

“It’s been a long road back from injury, but it felt good out there,” he said.

“I loved played for Clifton when I get a chance and it feels like the boys are in a really good spot at the moment, building nicely and getting some good wins.”

Naholo made an immediate impact in the second half of the week five clash, setting up three tries.

Clifton led 7-3 at halftime after an open first half, with both sides showing strong defence in perfect conditions.

United, who welcomed back loose forward Arese Poliko, briefly took the lead through a kick-chase try to Kyle Corigan from inside their own 22, but Naholo responded with his first touch of the game.

Breaking the line from a lineout, he created space for Tana Barrowcliffe to run in for a try.

That sparked a dominant second half from Clifton, who remain the only unbeaten team in the competition.

Naholo also set up fullback Juan Tantrum for one of his two tries, as Clifton ran in six in the second spell.

He capped his return by winning a turnover penalty on fulltime, denying United one final attacking chance.

A softly spoken Naholo said he was pleased to contribute to the team’s performance.

At Victoria Park, defending champions Stratford-Eltham picked up their first win of the season, beating Southern 39-34.

They welcomed back several players, including loose forward Semisi Balenaisa and wing Vereniki Tikoisolomone, with the latter scoring the opening try.

Around the coast, New Plymouth Old Boys retained second place with a 28-14 win over Coastal.

Old Boys scored three tries to two, with Jacob Hawkins adding three penalties and a conversion.

On Friday, Tukapa beat Inglewood 21-7 under lights at TET Stadium.

Tukapa scored three converted first-half tries, including two to hooker Liam Bernet, while Inglewood’s only try also came in the opening spell.

There was no scoring in the second half.

On Saturday, Coastal host United at Rahotu, Tukapa play Clifton at Sanders Park, Old Boys face Stratford-Eltham at Vogeltown Park and Inglewood travel to Hāwera to take on Southern.

The points table after five weeks: Clifton 25, Old Boys 20, Tukapa 17, Coastal 10, Southern 9, United 9, Inglewood 8, Stratford-Eltham 8.