Heartland XV start with come-from-behind win

The New Zealand Heartland XV were forced to pull out all the stops to stage a come-from-behind 23-22 win against Salta province in the opening match of their tour of Argentina.

With a strong wind blowing in the Padre Matearena Stadium in Salta City, coach Ross Cooper saw his team trail 12-22 at halftime.

Team manager Jeremy Parkinson told NZPA from Salta City in northwest Argentina that after some changes made at halftime, the team picked up their game to score a try and two penalties and snatch a deserved victory.

"It was a very courageous fightback by the boys," Parkinson said.

"They were up against it in the forwards, as we expected, but some changes at halftime paid off.

"The team hung in there and though we missed about five shots at goal because of the strong wind, it was a good win."

North Otago winger Faaitu Tuamoheloa starred with two tries and Wanganui centre Logan Vaughan got one.

Fullback Patrick Rimene, from Wairarapa-Bush, kicked two penalties and a conversion.

The Heartland XV next play another tough provincial side, Tucuman, on November 6 before their "Test" against Argentina A on November 12.