First XV rugby: Tauranga's storming preseason; St Kentigern win another Quadrangular, 2024 global school rankings, Hamilton's Sanix Tournament opponents
Bruce Holloway and Adam Julian
Tauranga Boys' College have hit the ground running in 2025, despite having a relatively new First XV rugby team with just seven returnees from last season.
The defending Super 8 champions have amassed 169 points in four consecutive preseason victories,
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NZ Herald
9 hours ago
- NZ Herald
Sacred Heart edges Liston in thrilling First XV rugby clash
On a day when King's College maintained their two-point championship lead in Auckland 1A First XV rugby with a 27-24 win over St Peter's and second-placed St Kentigern College romped to a 57-0 away victory over Botany Downs Secondary College, Sacred Heart's win enhanced their top four prospects. But the beaming LED lights on this presumably very, very expensive piece of hardware (six figures, some home fans estimated) first had to work overtime with a consistently changing scoreline as Sacred came from behind four times to finally get the better of plucky Liston and move into third on the table. Sacred Heart College's new scoreboard. Photo / Bruce Holloway You had to feel for Liston. They were always a threat on attack, staunchly physical, and on the cusp of at least ending their forever losing streak against Sacred Heart, with the teams locked at 29-29 approaching the final minute of an exciting roller-coaster contest. 'No penalty, no penalty,' a Liston team official pacing the sidelines frantically counselled his players as Sacred Heart inched deeper within their territory. That proved to be the 'commentator's curse' as the referee duly awarded an offside penalty, 15m in from touch and 30m from goal. Up stepped replacement fullback Keanu Simpson and a hush came over The Pit. Sacred Heart team mates congratulate Keanu Simpson on his match-winning penalty. Photo / Bruce Holloway But Simpson nervelessly converted in much the same manner as his older brother Rico had done in seasons past, and Sacred claimed the game. The relief was palpable among hundreds of Sacred Heart old boys who could later be found supping tannin-rich altar wine in vintage striped blazers and reflecting on the vicissitudes of life behind doors at possibly the world's most convivial First XV rugby venue. Liston's two consolation bonus points at least kept them in fifth on a congested table and still on-target for their best-ever season. As for the scoreboard – which would not have been out of place at Eden Park – apparently Sacred Heart also have a spare one out the back for cricket. And anyone wondering how these technological marvels are financed might also have noticed the wheel-clamping of errant visiting First XV fans' cars at the college. 'Scoreboard pressure' takes many forms. Sione Katoa: Liston flanker Sione Katoa was a danger all day. Photo / Bruce Holloway Liston had the honour of being the first to make use of the new scoreboard when nimble flanker Dan Lawrence continued his fine season by crossing the line early with a pick-and-go, converted by halfback Max Stocker. Sacred then put together some good phases and engineered a stunning line break to level. It was the game's big Liston-v-Liston moment, as Sacred first five-eighths Liston Vaka'uta sprinted 40m to score under the posts. But Liston the team, were quickly back in front. A Sacred move from the back of a scrum resulted in Jonathan Simote intercepting and scoring the first of his two tries. Sacred replied with a try to right wing Troy Hola after a keen forward burst up the middle and then very effective back play – and so the game continued, with neither team ever ahead by more than seven. There were further Sacred tries to beefy prop Ravai Faktaufon and sub Andre Gray, while Liston blindside Sione Katoa capped a rampaging game by scoring under a pile of bodies from a tap to tie things up at 29-29 once Stocker had converted. Sacred heart fullback Finn Norrie tries to keep out Liston winger Ceasar Chang. Photo / Bruce Holloway Sacred weren't quite at their best and were often struggling to contain Liston. But No 8 Cuiz Simpson was always influential, lock Will Quin was an unsung hero in the tight and Anthony Wirjapranata made some powerful bursts. For Liston, Simote, of Tongan origin, has moved from second five-eighths to centre this season and was a huge danger with his powerful running. Indeed, Sacred several times found the worst thing you could do was to kick the ball in his direction. Lawrence was an effective and mobile openside flanker, while blindside Katoa and skipper Mitchell Veatupu at No 8 were the other Liston standouts. Liston coach Rory Lord deserves praise for having put together such a competitive unit at one of the smaller schools. A 64th minute converted try to fullback Calvin Harris-Tavita proved the difference as unbeaten King's College bounced back from a 12-14 deficit at the break to beat St Peter's 27-24 at home. King's other tries came from right wing Ollie Anderson and first-half efforts from prop Sione Manuopangai and left wing Joseph Fatuvalu. St Peter's tries came from prop Bailey Tupu Tuia, halfback Matthew Harris and No 8 Liam Lavulavu. Meanwhile, Auckland Grammar School warmed up for their iconic home showdown with leaders King's College this Saturday with a 27-10 away win over Dilworth School. Second five-eighths Nico Stanley, lock Fergus Williams and Bastion Armstrong were among the scorers for Grammar. Presuming the team sheets and player registrations are all in order after last year's administrative kerfuffle in this fixture, this moves Grammar to fourth on the table. St Kentigern's nine-try cruise against Botany Downs Secondary College included two apiece to second five-eighths Semisi Langi, centre Siale Pahulu and No 8 Lucian Mikaele. Kelston Boys' High School scored 35 first-half points as they defeated De La Salle College 42-12, where the features were second five-eighths Tariec Mulitalo getting three tries and Max Talbot making all six of his team's conversions. Mt Albert Grammar School beat St Paul's College 21-14 after leading 11-7 at the break. Auckland 1A draw (home team first, all games 2.30pm, Saturday): Auckland Grammar v King's College; De La Salle v Sacred Heart; Botany Downs v Kelston; St Kentigern v Dilworth; Mt Albert Grammar v Liston; St Paul's v St Peter's. Auckland 1A points: King's College 25, St Kentigern 23, Sacred Heart 19, Auckland Grammar 17, Liston 17, Kelston 16, St Peter's 16, Mt Albert Grammar 9, Dilworth 7, St Paul's 6, De La Salle 1, Botany Downs 1. Westlake dominant Westlake Boys' High School continued their historic dominance of rivals Rosmini College in North Harbour's Kyocera-sponsored championship with a 34-20 victory which took their overall tally to 53 wins (along with 28 losses and three draws) in the North Harbour era (1985 onwards). It was a hard-fought battle, but not without its curiosities. Playing into the breeze and on a heavy pitch, Westlake repeatedly kicked the ball down the throat of Rosmini fullback Nate Tofilau, who caught everything and was happy to run it back hard and straight, rugby league style. Then in the second half when they did have the wind, Westlake stopped kicking and suddenly found the gaps in the Rosmini midfield. Westlake hooker Jeremia Samoa is driven over to score a try against Rosmini. Photo / Photosport The first half was a forward-dominated arm-wrestle, with a lot of one-off runs and effective tackling, contested mostly in the middle third of the pitch, with Westlake dominant in the set pieces. Westlake No 8 Travis Findlay played out of his skin and opened the scoring in the sixth minute. But Rosmini's backs kept them in the contest and replied with a try created by left winger Kason Moller's absolute pace and the ball played inside to Hunter Johns. Westlake struck back with a try to strong loosie Solomone Tu'itupou, but Rosmini enjoyed a 13-12 half time lead through two Braden Morley penalties. Midway through the second spell Westlake had hooker Jeremiah Samoa yellow-carded for tackling through the 90, but were able to replace him for the set pieces with an equally solid rake in Demetrius Sanft. Tries to front-rowers Samoa, Kaiva Tulimanu and Sarel Jano Peens gave Westlake a margin of comfort. Rosmini gained a consolation try, a close bustling job, to prop Samiu Seau in their only foray into the Westlake 22 in the first 30 minutes of the second spell. Westlake hooker Jeremia Samoa is driven over to score a try against Rosmini. Photo / Photosport Meanwhile Whangarei Boys' High School came from behind to beat Rangitoto College 15-13 with tries to right wing Kawana Te Iringa and blindside Jordan Young. Takapuna Grammar picked up their first win, 31-24 away to Orewa College, Massey High School beat Mahurangi College 12-5 and, last Tuesday, Rangitoto College beat Orewa 57-3. North Harbour draw, Thursday, 3.30pm, Windsor Park: Rangitoto v Westlake. Saturday (home team first, all 12 noon): Mahurangi v Orewa; Takapuna v Rosmini; Massey v Whangarei. Points: Westlake 32, Rosmini 29, Whangarei 27, Rangitoto 20, Massey 15, Mahurangi 11, Takapuna Grammar 6, Orewa 1. Super 8: A treasured Palmerston North win Before Saturday, Palmerston North Boys' High School's last victory over Hamilton Boys' High School was in 2011, the year of the golden rabbit, which, according to zodiac tradition, offers an opportunity to catch your breath and calm your nerves. With three minutes remaining on Saturday, and despite withstanding a barrage, Hamilton appeared more composed in a tight Super 8 tussle with Palmerston North – though ultimately lost 19-21 in a dramatic finish. Hamilton sharpshooter Jackson Botherway capitalised on a clumsy tackle by kicking a 40m penalty, putting his team ahead 19-18. Palmerston North Boys High School First XV celebrated an important win. Photo / Supplied Gathering restarts had been a treacherous task for Hamilton, but lock Kent Mills, a colossus in the lineouts, overcame earlier struggles by soaring high to secure the ball with two hands. Typically, Hamilton are surgical at closing out a game, but halfback George Roose made a puzzling decision to box kick poorly to Hunter Kennedy. The Piopio Express zoomed back into Hamilton's half, leaving the door ajar. When Palmerston's first five-eighths, Jamie Viljoen, failed to execute an ambitious chip and chase, coach Dan Turnock was visibly frustrated, with his head in his hands. What he didn't realise was that a penalty applied, allowing his captain a shot to win the game. In swirling conditions, the kick was positioned 10m in from touch and a daunting 45m out. 'I felt like he was going to kick it,' Turnock said. 'We strive to create an environment where the kids have the confidence to make calls and back themselves. 'Jamie is a talented player. He can do it all. His decision-making regarding when to pass, when to kick, and when to run was outstanding. His kick was a result of everything else he did well in the game.' With two earlier penalties, Viljoen had given Palmerston North a 6-3 lead at half-time. It could have been more if his two line breaks had resulted in tries. In the 39th minute, Roose let loose Cullen Parai with a pass that Patrick Mahomes would have been proud of. The sideline conversion by Botherway in front of the rustic grandstand quietened the crowd. Leading 10-6, Hamilton mishandled the kickoff. Palmerston North advanced into the 22 and the determined openside Carlo Issac powered over from a lineout surge. Botherway's second penalty brought the score to 13-11, but the threat of Viljoen loomed large. In the 49th minute, the son of Springbok Joggie Viljoen broke through again, and with Kennedy in support, it was 'Goodnight Irene'. Palmerston's committed attack was stifled by Hamilton's rummaging flankers. Down 18-16, Hamilton nearly scored a spectacular try from their own end, until Kennedy became the Artful Dodger and almost went the distance himself. When Palmerston North Boys' beat Hamilton Boys' 24-5 in 2011, they featured two future All Blacks, Ngani Laumape and Jackson Hemopo, on their roster. Hamilton's current coach, Cameron Moorby, scored their only try that day. 'When you haven't beaten a team in 14 years, the focus tends to shift towards them instead of us,' Turnock said. 'We conducted our usual preview but aimed to focus on ourselves. If we executed our game plan, we expected to win. The boys did just that and feel pretty good.' Meanwhile bragging rights in Hawke's Bay belong to Hastings Boys' High School who rocketed from 17-0 behind after 15 minutes to overwhelm Napier Boys' High School 35-17. Napier capitalised on a lacklustre start from Hastings by scoring two tries. Halfback Harry Bain hared over from a penalty tap. No 8 Carter Pirie collected a spillage from close range. Hastings employed their lineout to rally. In the first half, two muscular drives were finished by Vincent Kite and Joseph Lilo-Sosefo. In the 44th minute Napier, bracing to defuse another drive, were deceived by a swift switch and Lilo-Sosefo celebrated a second. The prince of centres, Bruce Robertson, was a Hastings old boy. Props Isireli Qaranivalu and Nehemiah Lauvao did their best impersonation of the legendary All Black with some deft handling and stampeding runs. Both were involved in the sustained build-up to a try by winger Reef Robinson. Hastings' victory is their largest against Napier since a 38-3 triumph in 2017. Tauranga Boys High School College suppressed the deafening Gully roar thumping New Plymouth Boys High School 40-19. Notably, brothers Jay and Tommy 'Ethereal' McQuoid scored two of the visitors' six tries. Significantly the visitors were held scoreless for the last half an hour. Rotorua Boys' High School enjoyed a stylish 43-12 home victory over Gisborne Boys' High School. The hosts' seven tries were scored by Hunter Weaver, Hieke McGarvey, Taowaru Waititi, Isileli Tuutafaiva, Reijan Williams, Tommy McBeth and Tukotahi Richards-Te Whau. On Tuesday, Hamilton had begun their Super 8 campaign by retaining the Moascar Cup with a lopsided 49-15 trouncing of New Plymouth. While the visitors were valiant, they couldn't extinguish the combined fire of midfielders Maxwell Kara and Ollie Guerin, who were so active that if the game had been held in New Plymouth, they might have completed multiple laps of the Coastal Walkway. Both justly scored tries. Left winger Cullen Para dazzled with his agility, showcasing more dance moves than Esmeralda, while fullback Nathan Stephens was also lively. Up front, Liam Van Der Heyden and Caleb Grice bustled productively. Super 8 points: Palmerston North 14, Tauranga 10, Hastings 9, Hamilton 6, Rotorua 5, Gisborne 4, Napier 1, New Plymouth 0. St Andrews collect a big scalp For the first time since 2018, defending Miles Toyota Premiership champions Nelson College have lost three consecutive matches, the latest coming as they surrendered a 22-0 lead to succumb to St Andrew's College 24-22. It's the first time since 2019 that Nelson has lost this fixture. With time almost expired, Fynn Harris kicked a 35m penalty to complete an improbable comeback for the Papanui Road Presbyterians, much to the delight of coach John Haggart. 'He kicked it straight and true – a big moment for Fynn, who has shouldered a lot of responsibility as the only goal kicker in the backline,' Haggart said. 'Fynn has experienced some ups and downs, but he studies the game diligently, works hard, and will gain a lot of confidence from stepping up in such a pressure moment.' With a stiff southerly at their backs, Nelson blasted to a 22-0 lead in the opening quarter. Prop Tawhiao Whitham-TeKotua was damaging with two tries and Alfred Leweni crossed on the wing. Haggart complained that St Andrew's were 'too passive', but a try before half-time by loosehead prop Isaac Matulewicz, along with another disallowed try, provided reasons for optimism at the break. 'We talked about self-belief, using the southerly wind, and being more aggressive in defence. 'There were some outstanding performances in the second half. Our captain, Jonty Lang, nailed his lineouts and worked tirelessly. Caleb Collins-Paleri, who was an outside back last year, played No 8, and he had a huge game.' St Andrew's second-half tries came from centre Aza Roebeck and Collins. Harris converted every attempt. At the halfway stage of the premiership, five points separate the six schools ranked from fourth to ninth, with St Andrew's included in that cluster, holding two wins out of five matches. 'Even though we lost our first three games of the Premiership, we led Christchurch Boys' at half-time and felt we let the St Bede's match slip away,' Haggart said. 'We developed some depth and a good culture during a pre-season tour of Australia, and we challenged St Kent's at Quad. 'Christchurch and Marlborough Boys' are definitely beatable. Both teams have good game drivers and strong, intelligent players. However, if you look at the competition as a whole, it's pretty even, which is exciting.' Haggart is accustomed to winning. In 118 appearances for Otago, he won 74 times, including the NPC Premiership in 1991. He coached the Lincoln Premiers to three Canterbury Metro senior titles and served as assistant coach for Canterbury when they won the NPC in 2015. Additionally, he was involved with the Black Ferns during a period when they ranked World No 1 for 221 consecutive weeks, and has coached in Russia, Brazil and Japan. Meanwhile, Christchurch Boys' retained the Gerry Davidson Trophy with a resounding 41-0 whitewash of St Bede's College. Three of Christchurch's seven tries were scored by Cam Jones, who also slotted three conversions. It's the first time since 2005 that Christchurch have held St Bede's scoreless and their largest victory since a 46-0 romp in 1999. In the 117 games between the two schools, Christchurch has 73 wins, St Bede's has 39, and there have been five draws. Marlborough Boys' College remain unbeaten, outmuscling Christ's College 38-5, with No 8 Rico Nicklin scoring three of the hosts' six tries. St Thomas of Canterbury College thrashed Rangiora High School 60-20, with second five-eighths Isaiah Savea scoring two of their 10 tries. Shirley Boys' High beat Selwyn Combined 29-21. Miles Toyota Premiership points after five rounds: Christchurch 25, Marlborough 24, St Thomas 21, Nelson 14, St Bede's 11, Shirley 11, St Andrew's 10, Christ's 10, Selwyn 9, Rangiora 2. Selwyn Combined: A team built on a spirit of commitment Jake Cleland's parents, Reece and Mel, drive 400km each week just to get him to rugby practice with the Selwyn Combined rugby team, with no guarantee that the dedicated year 11 openside flanker will even play a game. But this sort of commitment reflects the spirit of sacrifice, determination, and gratitude within the Selwyn Combined team, a composite outfit competing in the Miles Toyota Premiership. Selwyn Combined consist of players from five schools: Lincoln High School, Darfield High School, Akaroa Area School, Ellesmere College and Rolleston College. This team brings together players who have fewer opportunities, especially those from rural areas. In 2024, Selwyn won their last game of the season against Timaru Boys' High School 20-12. In 2025, they have already defeated established powerhouses St Bede's College (18-12) and Christ's College (35-33) in consecutive weekends. Late tries by fullback Taika Reihana and second five-eighths Mason Cole inspired the upset against St Bede's in Rolleston. Conquering Christ's at their home ground was even more exhilarating, with a last-minute try from Ryder Allin securing Selwyn's first victory against the affluent Presbyterians. 'It's fair to say the boys were over the moon after the win against Christ's,' said coach Sid Tauamiti. 'The way they expressed themselves afterwards was special. 'Several boys are boarding at Christ's who could have played for us. Sonny-Bill McAndrew is one of Christchurch Boys' best players, and he's from Darfield High School. His dad, Peter, played for Mid Canterbury. 'There are many talented players and a strong sense of community in the country. We provide opportunities for players like Jake Cleland, from Lake Coleridge, to stay involved in rugby.' Tauamiti has been coaching in Canterbury for two decades, working with all levels from junior to seniors. His significant appointments include coaching Sydenham and University premiers. In 2022, he assisted the Canterbury Farah Palmer Cup team that won the Premiership undefeated. His second season with Selwyn began in January, starting with a trial period that lasted until April. They had 45 players initially, which was narrowed down to 30, mostly sourced from the two largest schools in the combine: Lincoln and Rolleston. Selwyn train under the lights at the Prebbleton Rugby Club while others are having dinner. They don't have a gym, but make do with what they have. Tauamiti has 'one specialist halfback and first five-eighths' but has developed some 'creative solutions' in case either or both of those players become unavailable. In 2024, centre and captain Brooklyn Dalgety was selected for the Crusaders U18s as a Year 12. Tighthead prop Lennox Kopelani is a Year 11 powerhouse. His uncle, Tone Kopelani, is a police officer who won two Super Rugby titles with the Crusaders. Young Jake Cleland has come off the bench in the last two games. 'The biggest difference between us and traditional schools is the relatively limited time we spend together. We don't have the opportunity to build connections like you can during the school day, so we must make the most of our time together. In theory, that should make you a better coach, though I'm not sure I've mastered it yet. 'Schoolboy rugby involves constant change and relies heavily on parental support. We have some continuity this year, which means we're better equipped to deal with the challenges of creating a cohesive team from a wide area.' Lincoln, or Selwyn Combined, have existed in some form for 20 years. 'We've never had a season where we've won more than half our games. Our goal is to change that. 'To be fair, we felt some self-imposed pressure during our loss against St Andrew's. They played very well; had they lost, their season may have been over.' Tauamiti is ably assisted by Reece Allan, a stalwart of Canterbury and New Zealand touch, who successfully guided Southbridge to two Ellesmere Senior Coleman Shield titles. In the 2020 final, Ellesmere College Rugby World Cup winner Daniel Carter featured in a thrilling 40-32 win over Waihora. Joining Tauamiti is Tii Paulo, who played 34 games at hooker for the Crusaders, winning Super Rugby titles in 2005 and 2008. Fellow Crusader Manasa Mataele was involved last year but has since transferred to the Chiefs. In recent years, Lincoln have produced Tasman and Crusaders lock Antonio Shalfoon and New Zealand U20 hooker Shaun Kempton. In 2020, Crusaders winger Macca Springer won the Philip McDonald Memorial Medal as the best player in the Miles Toyota Premiership while playing for Tasman's Selwyn equivalent, Waimea Combined. In 2017 Waimea Combined even defeated Nelson College 38-22, with future Hurricanes lock and Māori All Black Caleb Delany being the standout player in that match. St Peter's lead the Central North Island St Peter's School Cambridge continue to lead the Central North Island First XV Championship (having played one more game than Lindisfarne College) and they made it five from five with a 50-27 home win over Francis Douglas Memorial College. It was a reshuffled St Peter's lineup, with first five-eighths Alapati Tusa Soagia the most notable absence and Cruz Marra sliding from wing into midfield. Coach Carl Perry said 'a feeling-out process' with rearranged team personnel made for a slow start, and the game was still in the balance at 19-13 at half-time. St Peter's outside backs were sharp but it was halfback Luca Morrison who impressed the most, with two tries and an eye for exploiting mismatches. Other tries went to Remy Karuna, Jackson Edwards, Flynn Morey (2), Meek and Marra, while Morey showed his skills with five conversions. 'It was a pleasing result though obviously conceding 27 points is never ideal,' Perry said. 'But it has been a massive five weeks for us and we are now into the bye round which gives the First XV a chance to support the school's other teams.' Feilding High School's 26-12 win over St John's Hamilton on Hamilton Marist's new artificial turf was ultimately only settled with a few minutes to play when sub Elisala Malili-Malo-Lauano ran strongly to score after taking a nice ball from Austin Tunnicliffe. Earlier Karnyae Ropiha-WaiWai, Rupeni Raviyawa and James Tuitubahad scored for Feilding, with Nixon Foreman making three conversions. For St John's Taine Manihera and Jack Brosnan scored tries with Ollie Penfold converting one. St Paul's Collegiate enjoyed a fine away win, 57-5 against St John's Hastings, despite being struck by injuries and illness. Second five-eighths Kaden Robinson earned his 20th cap in the match, while lock Kele Cuthers and right wing Finn Fisher made their Central North Island debuts. Whanganui Collegiate host Lindisfarne on Wednesday. Central North Island points: St Peter's 24, Lindisfarne 19, Felding 17, Whanganui 11, St Paul's 10, Wesley 8, Francis Douglas 6, St John's Hamilton 6, St John's Hastings 0. Wellington v St Pat's Silverstream match to be broadcast live On Wednesday, Wellington College will host St Patrick's College, Silverstream, in a highly anticipated Tranzit Coachlines Premiership matchup that will be broadcast on Sky Sport, with kickoff set for 12 noon. Last year's finalists are currently the top teams in the premiership, both boasting perfect records and an appetite for prolific scoring. In their most recent matches Wellington College secured the Heron Scarf with a record 74-3 thumping of Rongotai College, while defending champions Silverstream outgunned St Bernard's College 62-3. Despite deteriorating weather conditions, Wellington led 55-3 at half-time against hapless Rongotai. First five-eighths Archie Sims had the ball on a string and executed three 50-22 kicks, two of which set up tries for hooker Seb Hopkins, who traversed 3m for his hat-trick. Wellington age-group volleyball representative Shea Bosher needed to work harder for his three tries; he was agile, swift and lethal on the outside breaks. Silverstream have amassed 203 points over three matches, displaying a powerful combination of brawn and expanse in a 62-3 slaying of St Bernard's. Silverstream's tries were scored by Aston Steere, Teddy Cooling, William Davis, Abraham Smith (3), Mea'ole Mai, Jahvaan Hunt, Lochie Jackson (2), and Corus Taylor-Lefao. Fletcher Cooper nailed five conversions. St Pat's Town captured the inaugural Willie Leota Memorial Tanoa. Photo / Supplied St Patrick's College, Town captured the inaugural Willie Leota Memorial Tanoa, honouring the late coach of both schools, dismantling Scots College 50-15. Although Scots were resilient in the first half and managed tries from Brandon Lo, James Favel, and Jacob Epeli, they trailed 21-15 at the interval. In the second half, Town's power prevailed with scrums becoming uncontested. Hefty front-rowers Donncha McNamara-Taele and Faimalie Tagoai each scored two tries. Locks Remy Fitisemanu (who also scored a try) and Tom Bracewell contributed significantly at Evans Bay Park. Hutt International Boys School came close to remaining unbeaten but were edged out 12-7 by Rathkeale College. A try scored by Riche Kloeg in the 71st minute broke HIBS' hearts at NZCIS. * The largest defeat Rongotai has likely suffered was in 2013 when they lost 88-3 to Scots College. In that match, Scots scored 14 tries and converted nine, with future Japanese international Malo Tuitama scoring five tries and former Hurricanes prop Alex Fidow adding two tries and two conversions. Wellington Tranzit Coachlines Cup points: Silverstream 15, Wellington 14, St Pat's Town 11, HIBS 10, Rathkeale 9, Tawa 7, Scots 5, Rongotai 1, St Bernards 0, Wairarapa 0. Southern Schools promotion candidates set St Kevin's College from Oamaru and Mount Aspiring College will face off in Ranfurly (home of Andrew Hore) on Saturday for a chance to earn promotion to Division One of the Freeman Roofing Southern Schools Rugby Championship. Mount Aspiring College finished undefeated in Division 2 Maroon, while St Kevin's topped the Blue group after securing a slender 15-12 victory over Waitaki Boys' High School on May 31 and a resilient 26-14 win against Central Southland College last Saturday. St Kevin's are one of the smallest schools in the Southern Schools Championship and select a team from just over 25 senior boys. But promotion to the top six has nevertheless been a goal of this group of players, who are also heading to Fiji next month for a three-match tour. Meanwhile Dunstan High Schol were relegated from the top flight after a disappointing 32-17 loss to a rejuvenated John McGlashan College. Lock James Kinney scored two of the visitors' four tries, and Oscar Crowe added 10 points from the bench. Nate McLellan continued his stellar season by contributing a dozen points for Dunstan. King's High School, missing five of their top players, managed to overcome Southland Boys' High School Second XV with a convincing 47-19 victory. Disagree with anything here? We welcome alternative viewpoints. Email us at nzschoolboyrugby@
NZ Herald
4 days ago
- NZ Herald
Rugby: Gisborne eyeing first Callagahan Trophy victory in Super 8 clash with Rotorua
James Hamblyn, pictured playing against Manukura School, will be wearing the No 9 jersey for Gisborne Boys' High School First XV in their Super 8 clash against Rotorua BHS at the Rectory ground on Saturday. Photo / Paul Rickard A match was struck at the Rectory 30 years ago. On June 17, 1995, Gisborne Boys' High School First XV vice-captain and openside flanker Michael Green scored the only try against Rotorua BHS in the home team's first defence of the Ranfurly Shield of New Zealand secondary schools' rugby –
NZ Herald
4 days ago
- NZ Herald
Napier Boys' High v Hastings Boys' High 1st XV rugby: The build-up to Hawke's Bay's biggest school clash
The big annual Super 8 rugby between traditional Hawke's Bay secondary campus powerhouses Napier and Hastings boys' high schools will be played in rare circumstances on Saturday. Each side goes into the battle at high noon at Napier BHS having been beaten in their most recent Super 8 schools matches
