Southport’s streak in serious peril
TOOWOOMBA Grammar School is 0/17 on The Southport School’s Village Green fortress since its last win in 1984 but TSS coach Mike Wallace says his team will be the underdog when TGS returns on Saturday.
Southport’s undefeated GPS rugby streak sits precariously on 699 days since its last loss but a string of injuries has made reaching 700 a miniMount Everest for one of the most inexperienced First XV line-ups in the school’s recent history. Outside centre JoJo Fifita scored four tries in TSS’ season-opener in Brisbane last week but an unspecified injury will keep him on the sidelines for at least this match.
His absence has forced a backline reshuffle with Kaleb Ngamanu replacing his centre partner in the No.13 jersey.
Flyhalf Syris Schmidt will move to No.12 while last week’s fullback Caid Jenkins earns his first career start at flyhalf.
“It’s a good fit for those boys,” Wallace said.
“Syris has a good skillset (for inside centre) and Caid is the most versatile footballer in our team.
“Halfback is his best position but this season he’s started at wing, fullback, halfback and now five-eighth.”
Year 11 winger Zach Strydom will make his First XV debut on the left wing to complete the defending champion’s backline jigsaw puzzle.
“He’s an excellent human being and a great kid,” his coach said.
“He’s got good skills, tall and fast and a good communicator. He’s not going to replace
Jojo, he’s going to do his own thing and now he gets an opportunity to express his skills.”
Second XV hooker Cooper McGeary will join the frontrow for Harry Vousty, who broke into last year’s team through injury to starter George Nield.
Vousty rose to star status in the First XV and McGeary has an opportunity to do the same after five years developing in the school’s rugby program.
The First XV game will kick off at 3.15pm. Spectators cannot attend but a live stream of the game will be available.