CONTENDERS

ST PAUL’S COLLEGIATE

The big fish and their lauded rugby programme are understandably the favourite again. Averaging 39 points a game was an indication of their 2016 dominance which was sealed by their demolition of Wesley and comfortable final win over St Peter’s.

Little will change even if the players do and coach Andrew Gibbs will keep the high standards expected of the compact rugby programme, which isn’t purely top heavy – the age group sides are annually at the top of their competitions.

Roughly 15 players have left from last year but remaining are rising talents like Sam Cooper, the mobile, skilful hooker and Under 18 Chiefs rep. Joining Cooper in the rep set-up was prop Greg Dyer and the surprisingly quick bookend is earmarked for national honours.

With the platform laid, first-five Ferg Burke heads a virtually unchanged backline and with his accomplished right boot and pace is the third of the Chiefs reps.

If anyone else in the CNI wants to pry the trophy away, the likelihood is it will be St Paul’s to beat come playoff time.

WESLEY COLLEGE

After finding their feet in 2016, Wesley College will now certainly be a more difficult proposition. Dealing with the travel and new opposition took its toll and lessons have been learnt according to coach Chris Bean.

Eight of the side have returned and the standout is set to be Tupou Vaa’i the 2.00m and 110kg unit at lock who reached the NZ Barbarians squad in his Year 12.

Shotgun for rep honours again, Vaa’i is the consummate team player, will be a key figure and has the right attitude to go a long way.

Throughout the side, size and talent will again be in abundance and the experience of last season will be priceless. Hosting St Paul’s in their first competition game may not be ideal but with semifinals in this year’s schedule, meeting Wesley in August will be a different story.

ST PETER’S SCHOOL

There’s reason to be confident in Cambridge as the progression of their rugby programme has been fast-tracked by the arrival of Dale Burden, the new principal formerly of MAGS.

Giving a boost to all sporting departments, the emphasis on the rugby field has seen the attraction of Samipeni Finau from Manurewa High School. Part of the Chiefs age-group academies, the athletic lock who can also cover six joins a well-organised pack featuring the bruising No 8, Ollie Norris, who lives to bend the defensive line.

Half of the squad that reached the CNI final against St Paul’s are back including the versatile Kaea Hongara whose exceptional counter-attack at 15 is as potent as his ability to control a game from first-five.

A top athlete and all-round talent, Hongara has what it takes to impress Burden, who most definitely drives high standards.