Sacred Heart edges Liston in thrilling First XV rugby clash
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.
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NZ Herald
28-07-2025
- NZ Herald
First XV wrap: King's College top 1A rugby with Calvin Harris-Tavita's heroics
And twice late in the second spell, with King's desperately chasing the game, the 17-year-old showed exactly why he was drawing such attention, with his slick sidestep and ability to carve up defences employed to devastating effect. King's fullback Calvin Harris-Tavita. Photo / Bruce Holloway On the first occasion, he triggered a 70m move with a weaving run which ended with Marco Miln – playing this match at halfback rather than first five-eighths – dotting down in the left-hand corner to make it 20-20. The second burst, three minutes from time, was even more special. Harris-Tavita scythed through and unfurled a 30m pass from left to right, under pressure and into the wind, after already covering 50m at full speed, with more turns than Shane van Gisbergen, while defenders approached from all angles. It was simply a masterpiece as he unloaded for sub Spencer Capper to score in the right-hand corner, worthy of winning any match. With just one round to play and bottom-placed Botany Downs Secondary College their final opponents, it is all but certain King's will top the table for the semifinals, while St Kentigern will face third-placed Sacred Heart College in the other semi, with just the venue to be decided by the outcome of final-round matches – where the two colleges also clash. But it will be a real last-round lottery to sort out who the fourth semifinalist will be, with Auckland Grammar School the favoured candidate after beating St Paul's College 38-0, though Liston College, Kelston Boys' High School and St Peter's College are also all still in the frame, three points back – and with Kelston and Grammar due to face each other on Saturday. Given St Kentigern have won 30 of their last 32 1A round-robin matches, King's Harris-Tavita-inspired victory is highly significant. It should not go unnoticed that the last time King's won the 1A title, back in 2019, they topped the table with a 9-2 record. This contest drew a crowd that any NPC match will do well to match in ensuing weeks, while the King's home-pitch setting was resplendent with stark contrasts. King's College students cheer on their side against St Kentigern College. Photo / Bruce Holloway On one side stood the St Kentigern hardcore, seemingly sci-fi cosplaying topless in blue body paint to look like the Na'vi, the sapient humanoid hunter-gatherers who inhabit the lush moon of Pandora in the Avatar movies. And on the other side were perched the King's students, looking even more alien, with the boys formally decked out in striped jackets and ties, as if they were extras from Tom Brown's School Days. 'Down the crown,' said the main St Kentigern placard. 'Protect the Kingdom,' the King's sign thematically rebutted, its urgency somehow reinforced by the background starkness of the doom-inducing winter oak tree silhouette that fronts the college's equivalent of Malfoy Manor. Those colourful contrasts quickly extended to the on-field action. As is their practice, St Kentigern played with a calculated, muscular efficiency that usually stifles the opposition. On the other hand, King's, despite missing multiple goalkicks that could have added a dozen points, were eventually rewarded for their greater ambition and creativity, particularly while battling against a strong second-half wind. The other King's standout was openside flanker Johan Schaumkell, King's answer to the Red Baron, who sports colourful headgear pulled low over his brow – which makes him somehow look like a brooding superhero searching for his next kill. King's College flanker Johan Schaumkell was one of his team's stars against St Kentigern College. Photo / Bruce Holloway How long before league scouts are chasing him as well? Schaumkell mixes raw power with pace and accounted for his team's opening try with a withering 20m burst. Five minutes earlier, St Kentigern had opened the scoring with a close-range try out wide. It's hard to know exactly who scored in a blur of bodies. St Kentigern are one of many schools who struggle to correctly employ the Rugby Xplorer competition management platform and didn't load a team list on the day. But at a guess, it was at least prop Riley Grant-Faiva who scored their second such forward-engineered try to level at 10-10 just before halftime. With the wind behind them in the second spell, St Kentigern first five-eighths Jaydon Randall landed a penalty from right in front for a 13-10 lead, though King's prop Keneti Fanuatanu soon replied with an unconverted try. St Kentigern's natural instinct is always to go up the middle and it at least paid off when hooker Luka Makata scored a nice converted try to cap an impressive game. With a 20-15 lead, a strong wind and time running out, the match was St Kentigern's to lose. The turning point came when referee Adam Palmer changed his decision from a penalty for St Kentigern, for a player seemingly being tackled off the ground, into a penalty for King's – and that laid the platform for Tavita-Harris to show his party pieces. St Kentigern still had a chance to snatch victory with a late penalty, but with the aid of the wind, the touch-finder was kicked long, beyond the corner post. King's and St Kentigern are perhaps Auckland's two most well-resourced 1A schools and could yet meet again in the grand final. But if so, a King's coronation would appear the more likely. If they are to overcome their seven-year 1A hoodoo, St Kentigern may need to take a few risks and introduce a teeny-weeny bit more expansive play. Elsewhere in Auckland 1A Fullback Finn Norrie and openside Ngawai Amoamo bagged a brace each as Sacred Heart College sealed a playoff berth with a 48-7 away win over Botany Downs Secondary College. The match was a contest of odd sequences, still scoreless after 25 minutes – but then blown out to 31-0 by halftime. But another talked-about feature of the match was referee Antony Petrie getting hit on the nose by the ball. With no advantage to be gained, there was a short injury break. And while Sacred managed eight tries, one of the day's best came from rangy Botany left winger Rhys Bowden, who cleverly stepped the defence for an eye-catching second-half try. King's win over St Kentigern was bad news for Sacred because it means they can't finish higher than third. And with St Kentigern destined to finish second, Sacred are now likely to end up playing them away on two consecutive Saturdays. St Peter's College struck their best form of the season to beat Liston College 30-15 and retain the Dallow Cup, after leading 12-0 at the break. First five Malakai Hafoka accounted for 15 of St Peter's points, including a try. Like Liston, St Peter's are a good bet for a bonus-point win next week and a subsequent final tally of 36 points, so this head-to-head result could yet be critical. Auckland Grammar School were always in control against St Paul's College, leading 19-0 at halftime and chalking up five tries to secure a vital bonus point. There were two tries to winger Luke Thomson and one apiece to centre Bastion Armstrong, No 8 Lagi Sharma, hooker Santino Naufahu and sub Hamish Mather. Kelston Boys' High School beat Dilworth School 47-5 after leading 21-5 at the break, with impressive No 8 Satali Asolelei Fretton grabbing two tries and skipper-hooker Lui Stowers two as well. Meanwhile, Kelston second five Koupa Nomotu hit the notable milestone of 50 First XV appearances. Mt Albert Grammar School secured their fourth win of the season, 24-17 over De La Salle College. Fullback Finn McDrury accounted for half of Grammar's points and scored two tries. Auckland 1A Points: King's College 45, St Kentigern 44, Sacred Heart 44, Auckland Grammar 34, Kelston 31, Liston 31, St Peter's 31, Mt Albert Grammar 20, St Paul's 15, Dilworth 7, De La Salle 6, Botany Downs 3. Auckland 1A draw, Saturday (all 2.30pm, home team first): De La Salle v Dilworth; St Peter's v Mt Albert Grammar; Liston v St Paul's; Auckland Grammar v Kelston; St Kentigern v Sacred Heart; King's College v Botany Downs. Westlake return to the top Westlake Boys High School moved five points clear at the top of the Kyocera-sponsored North Harbour First XV championship – thanks largely to third-placed Whangārei Boys' High School rolling Rosmini College 16-12. While Rosmini scored two tries to one, the boot of Joshua McRae made the difference for Whangārei with three penalties and a conversion. For Whangārei, there was a try to flanker Jordan Young while for Rosmini, there was a converted try to lock Danny Murphy and one to sub Charlie Ryder. Meanwhile, it was a classic game of two halves as Westlake beat Massey High School 55-7. Westlake failed to impress in the first half, despite establishing a 21-0 lead by halftime. It was largely dour stuff as a series of knock-ons and dropped passes dominated and the only thing to celebrate was Westlake lock Harry Cornelius finally scoring his first try after five years of secondary school rugby, and halfback Levi Leith picking up two. For Cornelius' effort, there were joyous celebrations, of which Westlake later broadcast a clip on Instagram, choosing to accompany it to the tune of Celine Dion's My Heart Will Go On (the theme from the movie Titanic). In the second spell, Westlake lifted their intensity and let the ball speak – and there was immediately a try to Boston Aukino, a second to winger Yisrael Tukania and two to Harper Wilson on the other flank. The floodgates then opened with forwards' tries to Daniel Paea and Tom Bolger and one to second five Luke Lemalu. Massey never gave up and were rewarded with a try to No 8 Lale Taeoalii. Takapuna Grammar School squeaked home 11-10 away to Mahurangi College. There was a try apiece – to Mahurangi flanker Finn Nowakowski Craig in the first half and Takapuna sub Connor Brady in the second – but Takapuna first five Max Murray made the difference with two penalties. For Mahurangi, the match marked 30 caps for hooker Lochie Reid and prop Jacob Chown-Mills. Rangitoto College beat Ōrewa College 50-15, scoring eight tries. North Harbour draw, Saturday (home team first, all 12 noon): Rangitoto v Whangārei; Massey v Mahurangi; Rosmini v Westlake; Takapuna v Ōrewa North Harbour points: Westlake 53, Rosmini 49, Whangārei 47, Rangitoto 38, Massey 25, Mahurangi 17, Takapuna Grammar 10, Ōrewa 1. Hamilton Boys' High back on track Coldly clinical Hamilton Boys' High School outfoxed enigmatic Hastings Boys' High School 31-22 to conclude their disappointing Super 8 campaign with a third consecutive victory and a timely reminder not to write off the national champions. While Hastings made repeat line breaks and launched a furious comeback from 26-3 down to create a slim chance of success near the end, it was Hamilton's defence and precision inside opposition territory that were the most telling factors. Hamilton Boys' High School line up. Hastings can be a real handful, with beefy forwards who are just as quick and skilled as their backs. However, there is a Jekyll-and-Hyde persona to Hastings, with exorbitant mistakes and penalties sometimes hampering prodigious talent. Hamilton were ahead 19-3 at halftime, not because they'd enjoyed a plethora of possession; they just hadn't blown it. Chiefs Under-18 representatives Max Kara (second five-eighths), Liam van der Heyden (prop) and Nathan Stephens (winger) all crossed from steady, accurate build-ups. Meanwhile, Hastings were left to rue errant passing and a stream of isolated, one-on-one turnovers. All three Hamilton loose forwards, Alex Arnold, Caleb Grice and Corban Dunlop, as well as first five Jackson Botherway and fullback Hakopa Paringatai, proved to be successful pickpockets. In the 43rd minute, vibrant wing Stephens scored his second to make it 26-3, at which point most on Peachgrove Rd would wave the white flag. But then, suddenly, Hastings clicked. Two tries to bulldozing No 8 Panapa Peia and a 67th wriggle-and-stretch from France Tevita, accompanied by a sideline conversion to Tana Faumuina, reduced the deficit to four. If nothing else, Hastings are brazen. There was little thought of a patient construction of a match-winner. Instead, a wild pass was sprayed backwards inside the 22 – and Carson Hunter swooped. Since 2016, Hamilton have won seven matches against Hastings, who have won six, including success at the 2016, 2017 and 2019 National Top Four tournaments. Meanwhile, Tauranga Boys' College snapped their three-game losing streak with a 50-15 hiding of Gisborne Boys' High School. Fullback Tommy 'Ethereal' McQuoid scored twice to complete the remarkable feat of scoring a try in every Super 8 game. The Chiefs' regional playoff for the top-four national deciders is shaping up to be extremely competitive. Rotorua and Tauranga will tussle again to determine the Bay of Plenty champions on August 9. The Waikato layoff remains undecided, but the likely match-up is between Hamilton Boys' and Central North Island frontrunners St Peter's Cambridge, also on August 9. The Counties champions are Wesley College, who blanked Pukekohe High School 50-0. Francis Douglas Memorial College earned their place as Taranaki's representatives after their 10-8 upset of New Plymouth Boys' High School in May. Showdown in the Square – Palmerston North to Host Super 8 final When talismanic first five-eighths Jamie Viljoen ghosted into a yawning hole to touch down in the sixth minute of Wednesday's Polson Banner fixture for Palmerston North Boys' High School, on the way to a 30-7 win against Napier Boys' High School, there already appeared to be a sense of inevitability about the outcome. Seeking the right to host the Super 8 final for the first time, it was apt that the strongest of contenders for the New Zealand Schools No 10 jersey marked the big occasion by laying his blueprint early. Motivated, cohesive and fast, Palmerston North blasted 19-0 ahead after 21 minutes with further tries to Hurricanes U18 forwards Viliami Rongokea-Tupou and Siokatame Langilangi. The four-try bonus point needed to snuff out any chance of Rotorua hosting the decider would come easily, wouldn't it? Instead, Palmerston North overplayed their hand, while a less-than-vintage Sky Blues outfit provided stubborn resistance. No 8 Carter Pirie briefly invoked memories of a rampaging Colin Bourke from the same game two decades earlier with an intimidating solo burst; otherwise, it was a slog, where Rongokea-Tupou, Carlo Isaac and gritty Year 11 lock Ollie Read were forced into sustained periods of tackling. Just when it seemed Palmerston North could be bound for Rotorua, fullback Hunter Kennedy flicked a switch. In the 68th minute, the Piopio Express, with the balance of Biles, tiptoed down the sideline and sprinted clear for the try that ensured the Square will stop next Saturday. Palmerston North captured the Polson Banner for the 65th time, having not held the silk banner, with two sides depicting the colours and logo of each school, since 2021. Meanwhile, Rotorua Boys' High School comfortably retained the Moascar Cup with a 36-19 home win against New Plymouth Boys' High School. In doing so, Raukura could win the Super 8 for the fourth time if they repeat their July 19 road success against Palmerston North. Rotorua mauled strongly from lineouts and had more punch and panache in midfield in overcoming gritty New Plymouth. The visitors briefly enjoyed the ascendancy when tiger-hearted No 8 Luke Goodman charged over, but the locals always had greater ammunition. Hooker Bronson Van der Heyden, lock Hunter Weaver, and loose forwards Jake Hutchings and Te Ariki Rogers forged ahead. Out wide, Chiefs U18 selections Hieke McGarvey, Isi Tuutafaiva and Tokoaitua Owen all scored tries, combining vision, speed, sparkling footwork and a bit of brawn. Tukotahi Richards-Te Whau continued his excellent goalkicking form with four conversions and a penalty. New Plymouth's season is done and dusted with just a solitary Super 8 victory. Lock Brody Leicester, alongside Goodman, was their only other Chiefs U18 selection. Rotorua are not obligated to take the Moascar Cup to Palmerston North, but it's not against the rules either. Super 8 points: Palmerston North 30, Rotorua 29, Hamilton 23, Tauranga 23, Hastings 21, Napier 12, New Plymouth 5, Gisborne 4. Super 8 final, Saturday: Palmerston North v Rotorua, TBA. Palmy's only Super 8-winning team The only Palmerston North team to win the Super 8 was in 2005. That season, Palmerston North finished third in New Zealand, losing a National Top Four semifinal to the eventual champions, Christchurch Boys' High School, 16-9. Palmerston North played 22 games, achieving 19 wins and copping three defeats. They scored 813 points, 123 tries and conceded only 282 points. Head coach Rhys Archibald later ironically coached at Christchurch Boys', while the captain was prop Jason Douglas. Future Rugby World Cup winner Aaron Cruden scored 82 points, but the earnest Palmerstonian suggested he work on his kicking game. Future Welsh second five-eighths Hadleigh Parkes scored tries in six out of seven Super 8 fixtures, while chipper All Blacks Sevens showman Kurt Barker scored 16 tries. Former Palmerston North Boys' High School player Aaron Cruden went on to represent the All Blacks. Photo / Photosport But the most enchanting individual that season was future Māori All Black Andre Taylor, who scored 27 tries, including two or more tries in eight games and seven tries in a single match against hapless Australian opposition, Kinross Wolaroi School. In the Super 8 this year, Palmerston North have defeated Gisborne 30-15, Tauranga 38-15, Hastings 32-15, Hamilton 17-10, New Plymouth 45-5, and Napier 29-20. Their only loss came against Rotorua, when they were narrowly defeated 22-21. Past Super 8 finals 2014: Hamilton 21 Palmerston North 3 2015: Hamilton 33 Rotorua 14 2016: Hastings 30 Hamilton 8 2017: Hamilton 12 Hastings 12 2018: Hamilton 23 Napier 22 2019: Hamilton 13 Hastings 5 2020: Hamilton 26 Rotorua 13 2021: Hamilton 12 Hastings 10 2022: Rotorua 20 Hamilton 19 2023: Hamilton 56 Napier 22 2024: Tauranga 37 Hamilton 0 Central North Island semifinals set Round-robin winners St Peter's Cambridge will host Wesley College in one Central North Island semifinal on Saturday, while in the other, Feilding High School will be at home to Lindisfarne College after showing their all-round ability by hammering Whanganui Collegiate 64-7. St Peter's romped to an expected 67-17 home win over St John's College (Hastings), after leading 36-5 at the break, to complete a perfect round-robin season. Meanwhile, Wesley were the big beneficiaries of St John's College (Hamilton) pipping city rivals St Paul's Collegiate School 20-19, while Wesley won 31-14 away to Francis Douglas Memorial College. Left winger Kailan Ellmers was the pick of the bunch as Feilding registered their seventh win of the season, chasing hard on kicks, making tackles and eating up huge yards with the ball in hand. Feilding first five-eighths Tyrese Tane opened the scoring with a nice double-round after 10 minutes and that was soon followed by two tries to fullback Peni Havea and one apiece to centre James Tuituba and No 8 Rupeni Raviyawa. But Whanganui's Jonathan Solomona replied with a try from a charge-down and a 40m run. In the second half, Feilding ran in tries to Manihera-Dankwa, another two to Raviyawa, Lucas Goodman (playing his 30th match) and Ellmers. Hooker and skipper Alani Fakava didn't get on the scoresheet but he did register his 70th match for Feilding. Central North Island final points: St Peter's 39, Feilding 37, Lindisfarne 31, Wesley 23, St Paul's 20, St John's Hamilton 15, Whanganui 12, Francis Douglas 11, St John's Hastings 0. Central North Island semifinals, Saturday: St Peter's v Wesley; Feilding v Lindisfarne. Subsidiary: St Paul's v Francis Douglas; St John's v Whanganui. A ton for Silverstream, 38 points for super Cooper The Wellington First XV Premiership featured a heavily lopsided round robin, where 25 out of 44 games were decided by a margin of 20 points or more, and ended with the largest defeat recorded and a predictable line-up for the semifinals. League leaders St Patrick's College Silverstream obliterated last-placed Tawa College 113-0 – a record victory for the Upper Hutt school, founded in 1931. Silverstream will host fourth-placed Rathkeale College, who suffered an even more disturbing 71-12 hiding at the hands of second-placed Wellington College. Third-placed St Patrick's College (Town) steamrolled Hutt International Boys' School (Hibs) 58-0. Town have the size and capability to challenge Wellington, although they will need to improve from their lacklustre performance against Silverstream on July 16. The only discussion points from Silverstream's landslide were the absence of serious injuries and the historically large stat line. Silverstream scored 17 tries and successfully converted 14 kicks, while leading 45-0 at halftime. Remarkably, there were 11 different individual scorers, with prolific Year 11 first five-eighths Fletcher Cooper contributing 38 points. Previously, Silverstream's largest win occurred during the era of four-point tries, when they destroyed a Pōneke Under-19s team 108-14 in 1982. In that match, despite conceding three pushover tries from scrums, Jeff Karam, related to All Black Joe Karam, scored 10 tries, while Dennis Tocker, Silverstream's first New Zealand Secondary Schools representative, accumulated 36 points. Ten players shared Wellington College's 11 tries in their Rathkeale romp. Winger Fraser Lindsay has struck a purple patch with successive braces, while sharpshooter Archie Sims was on target with seven conversions from eight attempts. St Pat's Town scored 10 tries but only converted four in their 58-0 blanking of Hibs. Patu Perenise and Remy Fitisemanu achieved doubles. In 10 round-robin matches, Silverstream scored 601 points, while Wellington College and Town each scored 399, although Wellington played one less match due to Scots' shocking second-round default. In other matches, St Bernard's College edged Scots College 27-22 and Wairarapa College quelled Rongotai College 24-10. Wellington Tranzit Coachlines Cup points: Silverstream 44, Wellington 40, St Pat's Town 36, Rathkeale 28, Hibs 26, Wairarapa 19, Scots 12, St Bernards 10, Rongotai 9, Tawa 7. Juicy semifinals in Canterbury A replay of the 2024 title decider between Christchurch Boys' High School and Nelson College, and a mouthwatering duel involving undefeated Marlborough Boys' College and a resurgent Christ's College will determine the finalists in the Miles Toyota Premiership. In the quarter-finals, the fourth-placed defending champions Nelson powered past fifth-ranked St Andrew's College 47-12, while few would have expected Christ's, in sixth place, to convincingly dismiss St Thomas of Canterbury College 46-24 on their home field. However, Christ's assistant coach Sam Bromhall believes his team have been building greater cohesion and confidence with the return of key players Gavin Holder and Rico Lemalie. Remarkably, this duo scored half of the visitors' eight tries, with Holder claiming a hat-trick. 'Rico broke his arm early on and has missed most of the season, while Gavin's been in and out, along with a couple of other key players, including our captain, Alf Markham, for a game,' Bromhall explained. 'That has meant we've had to shuffle things around and be patient as players adjust to new positions.' Lemalie and Holder both started as young Year 11 wingers and last year played together at 10 and 12. 'We've been happy with Jackson Grace at 10, so we decided to move Gavin to fullback upon his return, and to be fair, that has been a good decision. He gets more time and space to use his vision, speed and footwork to beat players.' With a narrow lead of 22-17 after withstanding a serious assault on their line, Holder shifted momentum in an instant with a stunning chip-and-chase try from halfway, leaving some retreating defenders resembling wobbly turnstiles. Lemalie sealed the victory with a shoving, weaving surge late in the proceedings. Rather than individual brilliance, Bromhall was most satisfied with the application of basics and defiant tackling. Christ's scored three tries directly from lineout drives, with hooker Adriaan Pieter Van Wyk managing to get lower than a snake's belly on two occasions. With the scores locked at 17-17, Christ's were menacingly marching toward the paint when the ball mysteriously popped out for Henry Pratt to calmly collect and dot down. There was also some slick handling by Christ's that allowed them to outmanoeuvre the vastly heavier opposition. 'The core of the team is the same as in 2024, and we saw a lot of potential then, so it's great to be getting the best out of them now,' Bromhall enthused. 'We lost to St Andrew's before the Matariki break. The game was played at 10.30 on a Friday morning, which is earlier than usual, and I reckon some of the boys had one foot still in bed, while others didn't get out at all. 'The whole group now is actually playing for each other, which is evident in our willingness to dig in on defence. We only just beat Rangiora and lost to Selwyn. You must be at your best at all times in this competition. 'Our prop Tom Hazeldine attended the Māori Under-18 camp. He's a tough player who gives it his all. Captain Alf Markham is super consistent and No 8 Lui Tupuola is playing the best we've seen from him.' Bishop Neal, the St Thomas No 8, was again a human wrecking ball, scoring two tries and delivering bone-jarring hits. As a player, Bromhall won the NPC with Canterbury in 2001 and 2005, as well as Super Rugby titles with the Crusaders in 2002 and 2005. Does the much-hyped Neal have the attributes of a champion? 'He can be pretty devastating all right,' Bromhall responded. 'You definitely have to shut down his time and space, and even then, he sometimes takes three players with him. His size is a significant advantage at this level. It'll be interesting to see how he develops.' Having earlier in the season squandered a 22-0 advantage against St Andrew's College, Nelson College have undoubtedly become more ruthless, putting St Andrew's away 47-12. Winger Liam Soper zipped in twice and first five Wiremu Makea compiled 15 points. The hosts' forwards display was efficacious, with hooker Jack Potter industrious and prop Tawhiao Whitham-TeKotua damaging, each rewarded with tries. Will Horncastle and Tom Perkins have ample playoffs experience and that will be essential for bouncing back from an almost unprecedented 58-31 hiding to Christchurch Boys' on May 24. # There was a strong Christ's connection in Marist Albion's breathtaking 27-25 victory over defending champions Linwood in the Canterbury Metro final at Apollo Projects Stadium in Christchurch on Sunday. The winning try was scored after the siren following 30 gut-busting phases by former student Shun Miyake, who has played in the NPC for both Tasman and Canterbury. Head coach Ross Kennedy, who guided Christ's to a share of the Premiership in 2018, was partnered by Sam Chamberlain, who also co-coaches Christ's with Bromhall and former All Blacks captain Reuben Thorne. Marist Albion were 13-1 in 2025. Miles Toyota Premiership Top 6 finals, Saturday (home team first): Marlborough v Christ's College, 11am. Christchurch v Nelson, 11.45am. Plate final: St Thomas v St Andrew's, 2.45pm. Southern semis settled The semifinal line-up for the Freeman Roofing Southern Schools Rugby Championship settled as expected. Reigning champions Southland Boys' High School will host John McGlashan College while King's High School joust with Otago Boys' High School. Southland dispatched St Kevin's College 62-7, with front-rowers Presley McHugh and Luka Salesa both jostling over for two tries. Fullback Jack Brook accumulated 17 points. Outside backs Henry Smale, Alex Smith, and Lafa Tofiga all scored tries for King's in their 38-12 dismantling of John McGlashan College. King's play very directly through their forwards, so signs of effective, expansive play are encouraging before the semis. Otago Boys' conquered the Southland Second XV 65-12. Loosies Charlie Ottrey and Filipe Vaka'uta flourished with two tries apiece. Freeman Roofing Southern Schools Championship points: Southland 23, King's 21, Otago 14, John McGlashan 10, Southland Second XV 6, St Kevin's 0. # Disagree with anything here? We welcome alternative viewpoints. Email us at nzschoolboyrugby@
NZ Herald
14-07-2025
- NZ Herald
First XV rugby: Palmerston North dominate Super 8 with win over St John's
Bruce Holloway and Adam Julian First XV wrap: Palmerston North show their class; Rathkeale roar to life in Wellington; Christ's College upset Nelson; Kieran Col reflects on attitude, culture and Crusaders' young guns; Otago Boys' High benefactor Des Smith set to be honoured; all the action nationwide... Palmerston North Boys' have shown why they are leading the Super 8 First XV championship with a seamless 34-0 mid-term breakaway victory over defending Central North Island rugby champions St John's College (Hamilton).
NZ Herald
30-06-2025
- NZ Herald
First XV rugby: Liston College stun King's in dramatic Auckland 1A upset
On a day when St Kentigern College became the new leaders with a fierce 48-26 win over St Peter's College and Sacred Heart College edged Kelston Boys' High School to maintain third place, Liston produced their best Cinderella moment yet (indeed, they often got to the ball first) in what is steadily unfolding as a fairy-tale season. Liston sub Josiah Fuaaletoelau scores his last-minute winning try against King's College. Photo / Bruce Holloway With six wins to date, Liston have morphed from previously unfancied also-rans into giant-killers – and their latest effort against King's reeked of character, determination and belief, even if victory was only snatched with the final play of the game. While St Kentigern now sit three points clear at the top and are perhaps overall title favourites, Liston, coached by a highly respected figure in former Waitematā club captain Rory Lord, have in one sense eclipsed everybody else by becoming the wider human-interest story of the 1A season. King's and Liston have quite diverse college characteristics, but share a common pursuit of enterprising rugby. King's, a highly resourced and pre-eminent Auckland institution, are historically familiar with success and chasing their 17th 1A title this year. But Liston – a smaller, 78-year-younger Catholic boy's school situated so deep in the boondocks of Henderson that many King's alumni might struggle to locate it, even with a GPS in the Range Rover – have never so much as made the semifinals. However, that could finally be changing this year, given they now sit four points clear of fifth-placed Kelston High School with three rounds to play. Compare that with their modest history of finishing 10th in 2022, eighth in 2023, and seventh in 2024. With time up on Saturday and Liston trailing by four points, but optimistically camped in King's territory, it was time for The Late, Late Show at Rathgar Rd. King's carelessly knocked the ball on near their own 22. There was nothing subtle nor complicated about Liston's response, as from the scrum, they duly worked their way forward, one muscular phase after another. Finally, replacement loosie Josiah Fuaaletoelau, bearing the facial grimace of someone auditioning to be a Braveheart extra, left tacklers sprawling in his wake as he made a gladiatorial charge over the final 10m to inspire an explosion of sideline joy. For good measure, Conrad Chaston converted, the whistle went and the crowd invaded. Liston sub Josiah Fuaaletoelau is congratulated by teammates after scoring the winning try against King's College. Photo / Bruce Holloway 'We gave you what you wanted – and what we wanted as well,' said Liston skipper Mitchell Veatupu in thanking exuberant home fans at fulltime, as players and families took selfies. King's had trailed 13-7 at halftime, but then looked to have weathered the storm midway through the second spell, when they carved out an 11-point lead. Earlier, King's made a bright start when athletic flanker Johan Schaumkell charged down a clearing kick and won the chase to the line. King's flanker Johan Schaumkell's charge-down a kick from Liston's Max Stocker led to the match's opening try. Photo / Bruce Holloway But Liston responded through a Veatupu try in the tight and eked out a handy lead through two Max Stocker penalties, the second from near halfway. Six minutes into the second spell, King's seized the lead back with a try to prop Keneti Fanuatanu. King's then further showed their class when they took a quick-tap free kick from well within their 22, spun the ball wide and surged 85m for skipper Marco Miln to score under the posts and convert for a 21-13 lead. With 15 minutes remaining, Miln kicked a further penalty, taking his personal tally for the day to 14 points – and his team to a 24-13 lead. At this point, King's looked set to wind the clock down and kill the game off, like all good table-topping teams do. But Liston had different ideas and hard-working lock Micah Fuimaono forced his way over with a bruising try to reduce the deficit to four. That in turn fuelled Liston's belief for the final assault. Liston First XV skipper Mitchell Veatupu speaks to his school's supporters after their victory over King's. Photo / Bruce Holloway For Liston, centre Jonathan Simote was a major first-half influence with his bustling runs while flanker Daniel Lawrence's commitment was almost dangerously unwavering and blindside Sione Katoa was also a major influence in the final result. Fullback Chaston played his part with two conversions. It was Liston's second victory over their more illustrious rivals, but their first over any team at the top of the table. Media bans would have you believe reporting on such deeds is dangerous, unhealthy hype. But underdogs overachieving are part of the essence of sport and usually a journey rugby followers enjoy reflecting upon. It's likely there will be Liston team reunions over this in years to come. Meanwhile, Sacred Heart were relieved to beat defending champions Kelston 25-21 in an entertaining contest out west, given a serious goalkicking mismatch between the teams. While Kelston first five-eighths and rising star Max Talbot kicked two 50m-plus penalties among his 11-point haul, Sacred will reflect on a tally of three missed conversions and two not-difficult missed penalties. But Sacred nevertheless came from 14-8 down at the break and a 21-15 deficit midway through the second half to bank their seventh win of the campaign – and almost certainly a top-four berth. Kelston scored the first try of the match by spinning the ball wide from a lineout. Fullback Kiaan Hakaraia entered the backline, Sacred missed a tackle and he put left winger Tariec Mulitalo away in the corner. Kelston No 8 Satali Asolelei Fretton added a second-half try while Sacred prop Ravai Faktaufon continued his fine season with a first-half try. Supporters run on to the field after Liston beat King's College. Photo / Bruce Holloway Leaders St Kentigern have now amassed a points differential of 304 in their eight wins, averaging a winning margin of 38 points every Saturday. While their victory over St Peter's at The Cage was by a smaller margin than usual (22 points), they can be more than happy to have come out of a bruising affair relatively comfortably. A St Peter's Facebook post described the contest as 'absolute warfare'. St Kentigern prop Riley Grant-faiva, almost a cult figure at the college, was credited with four of St Kentigern's seven tries while first five-eighths Jaydon Randall added 13 points. For St Peter's, Malakai Hafoka was accurate in making two conversions and four penalties, while there were tries to centre Tua Tapua'i-Soti and sub Shannon Pai. Auckland Grammar School secured a 27-12 away win over Mt Albert Grammar to retain the Jubilee Cup for another year. There were tries to midfielder Nico Stanley, first five-eighths Rokko Walker, halfback Bobby Neels and fullback Luke Thomson, while Walker kicked seven points. After seven losses on the trot, you might say it was a blessing for De La Salle College to finally register their first win of the season, 11-10 at home to Botany Downs Secondary College. And victory was also partially due to a Blessing – left wing Blessing Toa-Elisala to be exact, after he dotted down in the 15th minute with his team's only try in a very tight contest. De La Salle's other points came from the boot of fullback Kohen Masoe with two first-half penalties. De La Salle have now risen off the bottom of the table to be replaced by Botany Downs, for whom centre Connor Bowden scored a first-half try. It was also a good week for St Paul's College, who won the Auckland premier schools rugby league final 24-0 midweek, then beat Dilworth School 33-17 on Saturday. The remarkable thing is not just that Ponsonby-based St Paul's are prepared to have a decent crack at both codes when so few of the bigger schools can be bothered, but that they do so from a total school roll of just 425. Try scorers against Dilworth included fullback Siokatame Kali, winger Sebastian Smith, prop Jones Cocker and halfback Drew Scott. The next round of matches is on July 19. Auckland 1A Points: St Kentigern 38, King's College 35, Sacred Heart 33, Liston 30, Kelston 26, Auckland Grammar 24, St Peter's 21, St Paul's 15, Mt Albert Grammar 10, Dilworth 7, De La Salle 5, Botany Downs 3. Hamilton Boys' find winning form Hamilton Boys' High School look a different team when they have skipper Alex Arnold on the pitch. That was one conclusion to be drawn from Hamilton ending an uncharacteristic three-game losing trot with a much-needed and tightly contested 15-7 away win over defending Super 8 champions Tauranga Boys' College. Arnold is the heart and soul of the defending national champions and certainly made his presence felt after having been out with injury in Hamilton's previous three losses. The blindside flanker was huge on defence and disrupted the opposition's lineout. He carried strongly all day as his team controlled the tempo slightly more. In the only scoring play of the first half, it was his good work, along with prop Deon Fifita, that engineered an opening for No 8 Corban Dunlop in the 24th minute. Dunlop crashed forward, and after he wasn't held, found further traction to burst over the line, with Jackson Botherway converting. The game was back in the balance when fleet-footed Tauranga fullback Tommy 'Ethereal' McQuoid intercepted a Hamilton backline move and – with the college's big band setting down a rhythm accompaniment – spectacularly sprinted 60m to score under the posts in the 54th minute. But in the final five minutes, Hamilton conjured up two tries. In the 65th minute second five-eighths Max Kara – who had also been terrific on defence – surged down the left wing, sold the dummy and scored in the corner. And while Botherway couldn't convert, the icing for Hamilton came just minutes later when sub Caleb Grice spotted a hole in the defence and four phases later Dunlop made the game safe with his second try. For Hamilton there was another huge game from prop Liam Der Heyden, while for Tauranga halfback Will Baker was lively. Even with the win, Hamilton are languishing in fifth place on the table, with their final two matches away to Gisborne on July 19 and then at home to Hastings a week later. So it is a tough proposition for them to make the Super 8 final, which means their win over Tauranga was probably cheered more loudly in Rotorua and Hastings than anywhere else. Hamilton and Tauranga contest the Don Clarke Boot. Before Super 8, the schools shared 18 wins apiece. In the first six years of Super 8, the ledger stood even at 3-3. Since 2004, Tauranga's only Super 8 victories over Hamilton have been in 2009, 2021 and 2024. Rotorua retain the Moascar Cup Rotorua Boys' High School have retained the Moascar Cup after an exemplary first-half display of wet-weather rugby, trouncing Napier Boys' High School 29-7 after trailing 22-0 at halftime. Rotorua scored four tries in the opening stanza, kicking supremely and mauling like a rapid submarine on a slushy field. Hooker Bronson Van der Heyden, lock Hunter Weaver, and loose forwards Jake Hutchings and Te Ariki Rogers were the headline writers in an imperious forward effort. Rotorua's five try scorers were winger Luke Rakuraku, sulphur-skipping fullback Tokoaitua Owen, blindside flanker Solomone Mailulu, lock Luke Worsp and Van der Heyden. Industrious hooker Riley Mullany scored Napier's solitary try. No 8 Carter Pirie was determined throughout. Rotorua hadn't beaten Napier since 2021, while the 22-point margin of victory is their largest since a 47-7 thrashing in 2019. Super 8 points: Palmerston North 24, Rotorua 20, Tauranga 17, Hastings 16, Hamilton 13, Napier 7, New Plymouth 5, Gisborne 4. Rosmini still leading in North Harbour The top four teams in Kyocera-sponsored North Harbour competition all had comfortable wins ahead of the holiday break and nobody else looks capable of forcing a semifinal berth. Leaders Rosmini College beat Massey High School 40-7, though the biggest excitement there as of Monday morning was the fact the North Harbour Rugby website was still incorrectly suggesting that Massey had won 7-0. Westlake Boys High School had a seven-try, 45-0 away win over bottom-placed Orewā College, while Whangārei Boys' High won 50-15 at home to Mahurangi College. The biggest contributor to victory was centre Kawana Te Iringa with a hat-trick of first-half tries, while first-five Loky Chapman scored two for Mahurangi. Elsewhere, Rangitoto College resoundingly beat Takapuna Grammar 31-7. Points: Rosmini 44, Westlake 43, Whangarei 38, Rangitoto 33, Massey 20, Mahurangi 16, Takapuna Grammar 6, Ōrewa 1. St Peter's Cambridge on target to finish top in Central North Island Life is good at St Peter's School in Cambridge. So much so that First XV coach Carl Perry was able to head off for a holiday break in Fiji this week, warmed by the knowledge that his well-rounded team are all but certain to finish top in the Central North Island championship and earn a home semifinal, following their eye-catching 47-38 away win over second-placed Lindisfarne College. St Peter's are three points clear with just a home game against pointless St John's Hastings to play and signs that they still have plenty of attacking ammo left for the playoffs. 'I'm more than happy with how we have tracked,' Perry said from a deck chair outside his Fiji resort bure, as turquoise waters gently stroked the white sand along an idyllic stretch of pristine beach. 'We've had a one-week focus, with a plan for every opponent, but against Lindisfarne it was just a ding-dong battle.' Perry was non-committal on whether he would be buying any duty-free cigars upon his return to New Zealand, but his team certainly impressed in kicking on from a 26-28 halftime deficit with a strong second half. It helped that St Peter's had skipper Izzy Kamana back in the fold at second five-eighths and he chipped in with three tries, while immediately outside him Flynn Morey picked up two and halfback Luca Morrison one. Year 11 hooker James Powell also got on the scoresheet. First five-eighths Alapati Tusa Soagia (who has featured in a Warriors development team) put St Peter's into the right areas while up front prop Jackson Edwards and blindside Ollie Barnes had strong games. Alapati Tusa Soagia in action with the Warriors development side. Photo / Photosport Meanwhile Feilding High School, with a couple of games in hand, now look a good bet for a home semifinal against Lindisfarne in weeks to come. Central North Island points: St Peter's 34 (7 matches), Lindisfarne 31 (8 matches), Feilding (6 matches) 27, Wesley 18 (6 matches), St Paul's 15 (6 matches), Whanganui 12 (6 matches), St John's Hamilton 11 (7 matches), Francis Douglas 6, St John's Hastings 0. Quadrangular Tournament standouts The convivial atmosphere of the Quad always fosters enthusiastic discussions about emerging talent. Proud parents, curious alumni, representative selectors, and professional agents closely observe four schools that have collectively produced 97 All Blacks (which accounts for 8% of the 1223 ever selected) engaging in healthy speculation about who might be the next star. If there were a player of the tournament this year, it would be difficult to overlook Tom Perkins, the Nelson College captain (see golden cap comments below). However, his similarly striking colleague, Will Horncastle, also made a sizeable impact at a lock. Hooker Jack Potter is known for his straightforward approach, as is loosehead prop Tawhiao Te Kotua. Centre Flynn Simkin was efficient in a workmanlike backline. The Wellington College scrum was immovable, anchored by Julius Toimata and Hyrum Betham. However, the real power came from the back row, featuring Z'Kdeus Schwalger and Dru Faletolu. Faletolu is a massive improver in recent showings, colliding into opponents with the force of a missile. Swathed in bandages, captain and centre Carisma Faitala was both inspirational and elusive. Christ's College looked to comparatively undersized Alf Markham for leadership. The technically proficient and tireless blindside was a Crusaders U18 representative in 2024 and could be joined by industrious prop Tom Hazeldine and hard-edged South African hooker Jan-Adriaan Van Wyk. Christ's midfield lacked punch, so Gavin Holder enthralled the first-day crowd with his best impersonation of Damian McKenzie. Whanganui Collegiate conceded 84 points in two matches, but their effort couldn't be faulted. James Olds alternated seamlessly between lock and No 8, while second five-eighths Jonathan Solomona exhibited silky skills. Block prop Rory Nugent-O'Leary lost his shorts early in the second half against Christ's, and with no replacement available, sniggering echoed from the surrounding embankment. But Nugent-O'Leary didn't complain. He continued making tackles, carried the ball with gusto, and even threw in a couple of lineouts. New Zealand Schools coach Paul Tito noticed his perseverance, but it's unlikely such slapstick would be seen at a higher level. Perhaps All Blacks coach Scott Robertson, who also attended part of the tournament, could at least arrange a pair of complementary Jockeys for the lad. What an effort. A golden cap for Tom Perkins The closing afternoon tea of the 99th annual quadrangular tournament at Christ's College featured a glossy video produced by the Whanganui Collegiate marketing department (schools have those, these days), inviting guests to centenary celebrations in 2026 while trumpeting the legacy of the longstanding tourney. And Tom Perkins has left his indelible mark on that legacy by winning the tournament twice and captaining Nelson to glory in 2025. Tom Perkins, the Nelson College First XV captain. Photo / Supplied Nelson topped Whanganui Collegiate 43-17 and Wellington College 31-24 to triumph for the 26th time last week. Furthermore, the strapping lock or loose forward boats a gold cap with his school uniform. He has played 38 games for the First XV – quadruple the number of games required to earn a standard cap, which is nine. 'To get a gold cap, you have to play every game for three seasons, essentially, and even some playoffs,' Perkins explained. 'I was lucky to debut in Year 11 and played all the games last year when we won the Quad in Nelson and got second in New Zealand. 'When I got my gold cap, there was a video from those who also got it. Harry Inch, Ollie Gibbons, Ollie Inch, Samaki Samaki, Teina Thompson, Zyon Ford, William Havilii and Jack McDonald-Hill, our current physio, congratulated me. That was so special, massive actually. They're amazing players.' Perkins is one of just five returnees from Nelson's generational 2024 team that stampeded their way to the South Island title and made their first National Top Four final. The 2024 Nelson College First XV with their spoils, South Island champions and Moascar Cup holders. Photo / Tasman Rugby Union Such an exodus of talent necessitated a positional switch for Perkins alongside greater influence in an inexperienced team that is growing. 'I was a lock last year, where my primary role was to secure lineouts, kickoffs and hit rucks. 'This season I've got more of a license to roam wider and carry while being the best leader I can be.' In the Quad final win over Wellington College, Perkins scored a try and secured the last turnover, which extinguished Wellington's bold comeback from 24-7 down. 'I saw the ball pop out and thought I've got to go for it. When the whistle blew, I wasn't sure if the call was for me or against me. My eyes were shut, and my heart was racing. It was such a relief to get the rub of the green. 'Their backline was always a threat, especially their centre, who kept carving us up. They were a lot more physical than South Island teams, who typically play faster and use the ball more to avoid contact. 'It was a turning point when they scored first after half time. They got momentum and showed we were too relaxed. I had to get the boys together and remind them to stay focused.' Perkins said this was where the leadership group helped, breaking the game down into manageable parts, collaborating and building trust. 'We've lost a few games this year, but our defence at the end shows we're headed in the right direction. 'It was awesome to get a try in the final. Basically, the boys did the mahi up the middle, and I found myself on the edge unmarked.' Perkins, who enjoys English, business, and health science, rated All Blacks Rugby World Cup-winning captain Richie McCaw as his rugby role model. 'Richie trained with us earlier in the year and it was surreal. He said, 'Do the things you don't like more, all the little extras like running when you can't be bothered or training small faults in your game that don't seem like a big deal'.' An older brother, Charlie, captained Nelson to Quad success in 2020. One-sided contests in Wellington Half of the 30 matches in the Wellington Premiership have been decided by 20 points or more, and this trend of one-sided matches continued in round six. On Wednesday, unblemished leaders St Patrick's College, Silverstream, crushed Hutt International Boys' School 78-12. Hibs were competitive for half an hour, holding the Catholics to 17-12 before the floodgates opened. Tries for Silverstream were scored by Ashton Steere, Abraham Smith, William Davis, Riley Browne, Jahvan Hunt, Axel Daken, Taylor Moananu, Ryder Thompson, Elijah Solomona, Kingston Hill and Corus Taylor Lefao (2). Fletcher Cooper converted nine times. St Patrick's College, Wellington, remained in second place, overpowering St Bernard's College 43-15 on a muddy pitch. First-five Gia Johnston continued his impressive form. Captain and openside Ethan Lepou was influential, as were front-rowers Anesi Taliau and Herman Tuia-Va'aua, who repeatedly made powerful runs. Speedsters Zack Kimmins and Ashton Hamer were active and each scored tries. For St Bernard's, Captain TJ Fonoti led by example, and Arlo Cross provided spark at first-five eighths. An injury-hit Wellington College narrowly beat Wairarapa College 29-14 in a potentially fraught fixture in Masterton. Despite numerous changes to their starting XV from Thursday's Quad final, Wellington prevailed with two tries from hooker Noah Aliva. Rathkeale College defeated Tawa College 75-12 after leading 46-0 at halftime. In their first Wellington season, Rathkeale have won four of six matches and, with fixtures against lower-ranked Scots College and St Bernard's College, they have a strong chance of reaching the semifinals. Scots College retained the John Fiso-Dave Meaclem for the 11th year running, narrowly beating winless Rongotai College 13-11. Wellington Tranzit Coachlines Cup points: Silverstream 29, St Pat's Town 26, Wellington 25, Hibs 21, Rathkeale 18, Scots 11, Wairarapa 10, Tawa 7, St Bernards 5, Rongotai 4. Big wins for Christchurch Boys' High Flanker Jonty Leary led the way with three tries as Miles Toyota Premiership leaders Christchurch Boys' High School continued their perfect season with a 87-3 demolition of Rangiora High School. Lock Dylan Giles and second five-eighths Nikao Panapa grabbed a brace in the 13-try extravaganza, while winger Hanroux Wessels accounted for 15 points and sub Cam Jones12 points. That win came after an equally convincing 45-14 victory midweek over Otago Boys' High at Littlebourne, in which winger Jones scored two tries and kicked three conversions. The turning point in the contest came after 10 minutes with a 70m try from centre Will Brown after an encouraging start from the hosts. Leary and prop Sam Hewitt delivered dynamic performances. The traditional rivalry, which dates back to 1894, now sees Christchurch holding a 58-48 overall advantage, having won the last four encounters. This current winning streak is their best since achieving six consecutive victories between 2003 and 2008, which included a record win of 44-0 in 2006. Second-placed Marlborough Boys' College also made it eight from eight by beating Selwyn Combined 38-17 while Shirley Boys' High School moved up a spot with a 36-22 win over St Bede's College. Third-placed St Thomas of Canterbury enjoyed their biggest winning margin of the season in beating St Andrew's College 51-5, and scoring eight tries Miles Toyota Premiership points: Christchurch 40, Marlborough 39, St Thomas 28, Nelson 24 (7 matches), St Andrew's 20, Shirley 18, Christ's 15, St Bede's 13, Selwyn 13, Rangiora 2. Southland Boys' still unbeaten - but only just Southland Boys' High School remain unbeaten in the Freeman Roofing Southern Schools Rugby Championship after overcoming King's High School 15-12 in a mammoth tussle for the Mitch Pereira Memorial Trophy in Dunedin. Pereira was a promising rugby player from Invercargill who attended King's and tragically passed away from bowel cancer in 2019. King's injury-depleted squad is now largely healed, but was left to lament a sluggish start and a wobbly lineout in yet another slender setback against the 2023 national champions. In 86 inter-school matches, Southland have won 54 times compared to King's 22 victories. The last of their nine draws occurred in 2022. Southland started assertively casting an anchor inside King's half, maintaining a polished preservation of possession. King's resistance was stubborn until lock Jack McKeay powered over after ample phases. Clean breaks from Zeke Siolo, Charlie Byrne, and Luka Salesa went unrewarded as the visitors turned with a 7-0 advantage at the break. A Jimmy Taylor kick was regathered skilfully by Siolo, who dotted down in the corner to make it 12-0 with 25 minutes remaining. Following the subsequent restart, Southland pressed hard again, but impatience led to a turnover and a lapse in discipline. A raft of penalties awarded to King's from scrums allowed imperious tighthead Henry Hunter to score a try from a quick tap, with Lafa Tofiga adding the conversion, bringing the score to 12-7. Southland wrestled back the initiative when openside Josh Cairns was held up over the line. But after the dropout was fumbled, King's rallied, and halfback Jaxon Moeahu slithered over for a try. Deadlocked at 12-12, Southland forced a penalty and Taylor calmly slotted the goal for a 15-12 advantage. McKeay burgled a plethora of lineouts and snaffled the last steal for Southland as King's, despite growing momentum, fell short. Montell Penese was the best on the ground. The King's openside had previously only played 10 minutes of rugby in 2025, yet he produced a hefty tackle count and won a ton of turnovers. Southland have stretched their competition-winning streak to 18 successive games. In other Division one matches, John McGlashan College edged past Southland Second XV 18-15, with captain Oscar Crowe scoring 13 points. Otago Boys' High School overpowered St Kevin's College 43-5. Freeman Roofing Southern Schools Championship points: Southland 9, Otago 9, King's 6, John McGlashan 5, Southland Second XV 1, St Kevin's 0. # Disagree with anything here? 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