Ruatahi had solid game for Pirates against 2nd place Collegiate in 1956....

Collegiate held the lead against Pirates in 1956 and then tried to hold it - but this was their undoing and the Pirates five eight, C. Ruatahi gained int eh last few minutes of the game to even the scores.  The final score was 6 all which consisted of a try and a penalty goal each.

Pirates was the better starter and it was the backline that set the game alight with their well drilled moves.  They were actually unlucky not to come out victors as they made all the play and Collegiate had to dance to their tune.
The Pirates forwards showed great speed up to rucks and gave their backs plenty of ball.
Owen Brown whipped Ruatahi a precise pass from a ruck near the Collegiate line and he went over head first to score.
Collegiate replied five minutes later, as a rebound off the post caught Pirates on the back foot and the centre A. Dalzell scored the try.
R. McPherson added a penalty goal five minutes later which meant Collegiate was in the lead 6-3.
Opportunities were lost by both sides with Collegiate making a desperate attempt to score but although they were hounding the Pirates line they were beaten by the clock.
The Pirates backs had one of their best game of the season with J. S. Faithful in particular in great form and A. L. Wilson for Collegiate also playing well and he was returning to Christchurch for a All Black trial.
Mr L. Ramsay was the Referee.
Teams:
Collegiate:  J. Newton, E. Holland, A. Dalzell, R. McPherson, S. Morton, A.L. Wilson, J. Morton, Charlie Radka,
D. Tait, R. Todd, W. McMillan, E. Cournane, Jack Smith, Ian Todd, A. Gray.
Pirates:  Ted Mortimer, J. Cowan, Des Hayes, D. Dawson, J. Faithful, C. Ruatahi, Owen Brown, Ted McDowell, Lex Thomas, R. Diack, K. Smith, Joe Mainland, Don Thomas,

Reference:  Pirates on Top In Game with Collegiate.  The Southland Times 1956