WILDCARD

DE LA SALLE

While size isn’t everything, the well-fed boys from De La Salle are being seen as a threat to the established schools in 2017. Below the First XV is also in good health and the Under 15 championship winning team will provide a fillip to a side who last season took care of Auckland Grammar, Kelston, and King’s and pushed St Kent’s all the way in a tight loss.

Putting together performances week-in and week-out will be the undoubted challenge for the team who will want to replicate the school’s 1A success in 2008 and 2003. A handful of upset wins over the likes of MAGS, Sacred Heart and a regenerating St Kent’s could be the spur to push on.