Schools’ rugby ready to start compressed 15-week season
Top level schoolboy rugby kicks off today in Timaru with the start of the highly competitive UC Championship.
The Timaru Boys High School first XV host Christ’s College at Alpine Energy Stadium in a tough opener while the Roncalli Aoraki Combined XV take on Rangiora High School, in a game that could go either way at Roncalli College.
UC Championship organisers have decided to play a full 13-round competition despite the late start, so teams will play through the school holidays, with semifinals and finals scheduled for late September.
Traditional competition heavyweights including defending champions Nelson College, Christchurch Boys’ High School, St Bede’s College and St Andrew’s College are among the title favourites, while Marlborough Boys’ College could also be in the mix in 2020.
Timaru Boys’ will be looking to crack the top eight after finishing 10th in 2019 while Roncalli-Aoraki will look to improve on last season, when they managed to win two games.
The majority of the combined side are still from Roncalli College but for the first time they do not dominate the squad with Geraldine High School supplying five players, Opihi College three, Mackenzie College two and Waimate High School one, giving the team much needed depth.
Midfielders George Laing and James McKinlay are the leaders of Roncalli Aoraki and TBHS respectively.
Timaru Boys’ have two experienced players, lock George Mulder and No 8 Sio Latu, playing in their third year in the UC Championship, but 10 players will be on debut in a young squad.
Blindside David Edh will also make a big contribution while players to watch include midfielder Tafu Tafu Tafunaina and the further development of Taine Cordell-Hull at first five.
Timaru Boy’s young front row will be anchored by Peter Tafunaina.
Coach Kelly Walsh said a top 8 finish was definitely the aim.
‘‘We have nothing to lose. It will be important to ensure we don’t lose games against other mid-table sides.’’
Walsh said it was a hectic season with 18 games, including their traditional interschools, to be played in 15 weeks without a break.
Roncalli-Aoraki’s new coach is
Justin Geary, who mustered a pretty handy Mackenzie side together five years ago.
Geary said his expectations were high.
‘‘There is a buzz around them and it’s important to develop a mindset of self-belief.
‘‘The boys have been very diligent over lockdown and were self motivated.’’
Geary said it was the first time the side was truly a combined team and that had been very positive in terms of depth and competing for positions.
The team will be looking to hooker Sebastian Monuato lead the way in the tight battle, as he heads into his third year in the championship. Open side Conor Foley-Smith will also be a key forward.
In the backs Laing will be important on both attack and defence while talented first five Hayden Kerr will be looking to expand his game.
Also put a note in the diary on August 1 for the local derby when Timaru Boys will play Roncalli Aoraki at Roncalli College.
Roncalli – Aoraki Combined First XV
Forwards: Alex Hayes (Geraldine HS), Angus Jensen, Cole Robertson (Opihi College), Heath Cox, Luke Biu, Billy Boyne (Waimate
HS), Hamish O’Connor (Mackenzie College), Josh Savieti (Geraldine HS), Ben Cleverley (Opihi), Mitchell Walsh, Michael Kotobalavu, Sebastian Monua, Conor FoleySmith (Geraldine HS), Harry MacMillan (Geraldine HS), Angus Rooney, Leo Fotofili
Backs: Thomas Flynn, Hayden Kerr, Hamish Geary (Mackenzie College), George Laing (c), Zion Lafai (Geraldine HS), Jared Dickson (Opihi), Petelo Faha, Mackinley Ayers, TK Waqaliti
Coaches: Justin Geary, Carl Jensen. Assistant: Andy Colvill.
Technical adviser: Kieran Blogg.
Management: Craig Kerr, Sarah Foley-Smith, Sarah Flynn.
Timaru Boys’ High School
Forwards: George Mulder, Sio Latu, Ben Bartlett, David Edh, James Martin, George Small, Alipate Lelenoa, Bailey Booth, Bede Fisher, Caleb Kellas-Taylor Fletcher Joyce, Peter Tafunaina, Robbie Adams.
Backs: Jacob McKinlay (c), Hugh Cameron, Jed Syme, Ryan Allan, Tafu Tafunaina, Taine Cordell-Hull, Benjamin Johnston, Fletcher Boraman, Max Aitken.
Head coach: Kelly Walsh.
Assistant coaches: Brendan Aitken and Brendan Millar. Technical adviser: Gavin Miller.