Umaga gets rousing welcome on return

April 12, 2006

Can't get enough Umaga. The Dominion Post reports:

10 April 2006

Umaga gets rousing welcome on return

Tana Umaga spurred his club Petone to a handsome 31-5 win over Old Boys-University when he made his return to rugby action in a Swindale Shield match on Saturday after five weeks off because of injury.

The former All Black captain had been sidelined from the Super 14 since injuring a knee in the Hurricanes' 27-25 loss to the Cheetahs in South Africa in early March.

Petone team manager Tim Prescott told NZPA yesterday a rousing cheer went up from the large crowd of about 300 at Nairnville Park in Khandallah when Umaga stepped onto the field as a replacement at second five-eighth with 35 minutes to go in the match.

"I'd say he was easing himself back into the game. He didn't score but contributed well, passed well and set up a couple of tries," Prescott said.

He spent 25 minutes signing autographs after the game.

Umaga had enjoyed playing for his club and came through the game well showing no sign of his injury, Prescott said.

He was expected to be back in training with the Hurricanes tomorrow.

The Hurricanes, who had the bye this weekend, will play the Highlanders in Dunedin on Saturday.

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