Shute Shield: Taqele Naiyaravaro’s hat-trick stuns Southern Districts, Eastwood gains revenge on Sydney University

EASTWOOD reaped revenge over Sydney University, while new Waratah Taqele Naiyaravaro scored a hat-trick as Parramatta stunned Southern Districts.

Taqele Naiyaravoro makes a break during his club rugby debut with Parramatta Two Blues. Photo by Debbie O'Connor - must credit.

EASTWOOD reaped revenge over their grand final foes Sydney University, while new Waratahs signing Taqele Naiyaravaro scored a hat-trick as Parramatta stunned Southern Districts in round nine of the Shute Shield.

Eastwood’s convincing 36-15 victory over reigning premiers Uni reinstated them as title contenders after two defeats from their previous three games.

They avenged last year’s horror 51-6 loss in the grand final to the Students with the five-tries-to-two victory that moved them above Uni to third on the ladder.

Meanwhile at Forshaw Rugby Park, Naiyaravaro made it clear he wants to get back in to the Waratahs squad after being left back from the trip to Melbourne.

The giant winger punished Souths with three tries as the Two Blues snatched a thrilling 30-29 victory, which also took Naiyaravaro’s tally to five tries from two Shute Shield games.

The former Wests Tigers player made his Super Rugby debut off the bench the previous weekend against the Lions, and will be hoping that his latest display is enough to put him on the flight to New Zealand this week when NSW travel to play the Chiefs.

West Harbour also notched a one-point victory last weekend, seeing off a game Northern Suburbs who scored four tries to three but failed to kick crucial goals.

Rory Sidey grabbed a double for the Pirates at Concord Oval, while Dave Harvey’s late penalty goal sealed the win.

At Coogee Oval, Waratahs halfback Brendan McKibbin made a shock appearance for Eastern Suburbs just a few hours after stepping off the plane from Melbourne, where he had scored the Waratahs’ final try in their 41-19 rout of the Rebels.

McKibbin carried his form into the derby rival against Randwick, scoring a try, and kicking a penalty and conversion, but it was not enough as the home side prevailed 26-20.

Josh Eden Whaitiri, Andrew Northam and Nathan Roye crossed for Randwick, who remain fifth on the table just behind Uni.

The top two, Manly and Warringah, outclassed their lesser opponents as expected.

Manly are now nine from nine this season, beating Penrith 59-32 in an entertaining affair at Nepean Rugby Park that featured 13 tries, including eight to the Marlins.

Warringah edged out Gordon 31-21 at Chatswood Oval and are six points adrift of their neighbours on the table.

Originally published as Shute Shield: Taqele Naiyaravaro’s hat-trick stuns Southern Districts, Eastwood gains revenge on Sydney University