In a game that felt like a must-win for both teams, neither team accomplished what they came to do as Genesis and United played to a 12-12 tie.

Genesis is the 13th-ranked HS club (ranked by Goff Rugby Report), and United is ranked #16.

United got on the board early in the first half.  After poaching a ball from a ruck and working it down the field using both their forwards and backs, they were able to punch one in with some bruising forwards. The conversion kick was no good and the game stayed at 5-0 going into halftime.  

Genesis came out the second half looking revitalized and within the first 10 minutes, junior scrumhalf Tai Kauwe was able to find some daylight in the defense and took the ball in for the score right under the posts. The conversion was good which put Genesis on top 7-5.  

The game seemed to be put beyond reach for the home side after Genesis wing Vili Kolomalu was able to break free on the outside and take one down the sideline for the score in the corner.  After missing the conversion kick, Genesis had the lead 12-5. With only minutes left in regulation, Genesis felt like they had the game under control. However, a plethora of penalties kept United’s hopes alive and allowed them to continue to advance the ball down the field. With the game extended over nine minutes beyond the allotted time due to the penalties, United finally scored one in the corner.  With time expired, United made a clutch conversion which tied the game up for good.  

“Both teams fought like lions today," said Genesis Coach Tuli Vaitohi. "Those boys gave their blood, sweat, and tears out there. Although I am proud of the effort, I am not happy with the outcome.  We felt like this game should have been ours. Unfortunately due to some sloppy play as well as some other circumstances that were beyond our control that I won’t elaborate on, we ended in a tie.  So now it’s just on to the next one.”