Wellington successful with first 2009 Shield defence

Wellington breezed through their first Ranfurly Shield defence of the rugby season as expected, dominating Wairarapa-Bush in all aspects of the game in Masterton for a 90-19 win.

It took just three minutes for Wellington to cross the tryline on the first of 13 occasions, with Hurricanes winger David Smith the beneficiary as his backline swung into action.

Smith was one of three players who picked up a brace, and combined some intelligent tactical kicking with classy finishing before he was subbed early in the second half.

Halfback Tony Bradshaw picked up two tries, and teenager Jason Woodward also came away with a pair after an impressive performance at fullback.

Wellington's victory came on the back of some solid set piece play, as Wairarapa-Bush struggled at scrum time and in the lineouts.

The home team finally got on the board as No 8 Duncan Law powered through some indifferent tackling and crossed with less than five minutes until halftime.

Ahead 45-7 at the break, Wellington coach Jamie Joseph made good use of his bench, and the tries kept coming -- for both teams.

Joe Feast crossed for Wairarapa-Bush midway through the second half after Wellington replacement first five-eighth Daniel Kirkpatrick's clearing kick was charged down.

And pint-sized winger Nick Olson made it three for Wairarapa Bush with less than five minutes to go after running over 90 metres to the line with a well-timed intercept.