For the Warriors, it will be a tough pill to swallow considering their start to the season, where they were near faultless. Warriors coach Andrew Webster pulled a late switch, dropping Ali Leiataua to the reserves, allowing Taine Tuaupiki to start at fullback, and Charne Nicoll-Klokstad to the centres. Boyd then set up Jacob Laban, holding the ball long enough before passing to his edge forward to burst through. The Warriors made multiple chances to score early in the second half, but couldn’t find the magic touch needed to get back in the match. Having had three of their first four games at home, the Warriors now face a daunting road trip.

Source: New Zealand Herald March 27, 2026 12:14 UTC