Whalers Chase Victory as New Captain Latu Leads the Charge

The Whalers secured a historic victory over the Aoraki Eels with a resounding score of 62-12 at Forsyth Barr Stadium this past weekend. Under the leadership of new captain Benjamin Latu, the team showcased formidable skill and teamwork, particularly through standout performances from talented centres Ngatokotoru Mateariki and Sailusi Temaka.

Captain Latu’s Journey and Leadership

Benjamin Latu, a 24-year-old health science student, has taken on the captaincy this season. Originally from New Zealand, he moved to Australia at a young age, where he refined his rugby league skills in Sydney and Brisbane. Since returning to New Zealand, Latu has also explored rugby union, but primarily plays as a prop in the Alhambra-Union division 1 side and as a second-row player in league. Known for his strong ball-carrying ability, Latu aims to enhance his team’s offensive play with strategic offloads and support for teammates.

Despite the impressive win, Latu expressed some concerns regarding the team’s performance. “I think there was a high number of errors in the first half,” he noted. “That’s something we want to try to minimise.” The Whalers were aware that they did not complete as many sets as they had hoped and acknowledged the need for improvement ahead of their next match.

Upcoming Challenge Against Wellington Orcas

The Whalers are set to face the Wellington Orcas today, March 15, 2024, in the capital. The previous encounters between the two teams have ended in a balanced contest; both sides have recorded four wins each in their eight meetings. The Orcas recently triumphed over the Southland Rams with a score of 20-8 and have had an additional week to prepare for the Whalers.

“Wellington had a really strong result against Southland,” Latu acknowledged. “But we’re just going out there to focus on our game, maintain our discipline, and complete our sets. Hopefully, with that, we get the result that we’re looking for.”

The Whalers will aim to build on their record points haul from last weekend’s match, while Latu’s leadership will be crucial in navigating the challenges posed by the Orcas. As the team prepares for this pivotal game, fans will be eager to see if the Whalers can continue their momentum and secure another victory in the National Premiership.