WILDCARD

TIMARU BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL

Predicting the true calibre of a rival First XV is an inexact science but in the case of Timaru Boys’ High, the big Christchurch sides have a cautious eye on them.

2016 was a rebuilding year as inexperience dominated the squad but the signs were positive. Well drilled and exceptionally fit, Timaru took the sizeable scalps of Marlborough, St Andrew’s and Waimea amongst others as well as winning the Moascar Cup for the first time in their almost 140-year history.

Whilst only caretaking it for a few weeks before letting it go to Nelson College, the 14-11 upset of St Andrew’s was a portent into what is possible. With a year extra under their belts and a settled coaching unit, some of the expected victories won’t go begging as they did last year.