Harlies on a high

Capital Rugby’s top side undefeated, soaring in 2024

By MICHAEL PHILIP
PORT Moresby rugby union powerhouse Harlequins have an unblemished record so far in 2024 after recording their ninth straight win in the Pepsi Capital Rugby Union on the weekend.
A strong second half surge saw the Billy Rapilla coached Harlequins beat top-four side University Piggies 38-8 in their round 10 premier grade fixture at Bava Park.
Harlies centre Andrew Solo, a former Hela Wigmen winger, was sin-binned in the opening minutes of play for a cynical play and the men in sky blue banked the first try of the match to through prop Sam Kupul. Fly-half Abraham Kavora added a penalty goal minutes later for Uni to edge out to an 8-0 lead.
Harlequins’ composure, tactical nous and ability to control the set pieces saw the multi-coloureds absorb the initial pressure before they went to work on the Piggies; time in possession in the Uni 22 was all Harlies needed and led by No.8 and captain Willie Kalai the side rattled off two tries in the 32nd and 38th minutes to wing Elton Una and fullback Ambrose Emmanuel to take the lead 10-8 at halftime.
Harlequins shifted gears in the second half posting tries to dynamic prop Fraser Pundu, Solo, wing Butler Morris and reserve hooker Carl Asi built on ruck dominance and capitalising on Uni’s errors.
The injection of Chris Bovoro into the game for the Harlies was telling with the hard-running flanker put into the mid-field by Rapilla to play wrecking ball, a role he fulfilled with relish menacing the Piggies centre channel.
Rapilla said his team were aware of the threat Uni posed as they were capable of scoring points through a backline that had centre Dean Manale and the slippery Getame Dogono on the edge but his side just needed to focus on their strengths and mental fortitude.
“It was a tough start for my boys but a win is a win so credit to everyone,” Rapilla told The National.
“We just used the space available to gain ground and score points. We have a young team, full of enthusiasm and they got speed as well.
“And with our forwards, I knew we were a little smaller, but it was all about skills, the set piece and execution.”
Harlequins maintain their No.1 spot on the standings on 44 points with their vanquished foes University still in the top three on 26 points.
Harlequins will feature in CRU’s Friday Night Footy round 12 clash under lights at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium when they play Kramer Ausenco Brothers in a grand final replay on July 12.
University will get their turn at the FNF concept in their round 16 match-up against Brothers for the Aduni Cup on August 9.