THE 2013 CLASS OF

1 AKIRA IOANE Winner of the coveted Bronze Boot for the 2013 NZ Schools, the multi- skilled No 8 out of Auckland Grammar has spent much of the time since ironing out his kinks and showing his vast wares for the All Black Sevens. But he is now back in 15s mode, and was to play in the national Under 19 tournament. Expect him to front for Auckland in the 2015 ITM Cup.

2 DAMIAN MCKENZIE A first- five by trade who can cover fullback, the Christ’s College product has shown much of his brilliant attacking potential for the NZ Under 20s and Waikato in this ITM Cup. He also kicked the winning goal in the 2013 trans- Tasman schools test. The Chiefs have already signed the 19- yearold to a full contract, though his relatively small physique and defensive game will come under heavy scrutiny higher up.

3 BLAKE GIBSON One of the outstanding forwards of the 2013 First XV season with the crack St Kentigern side, Gibson was unlucky to miss the cut for the New Zealand Under 20s. But he has kicked on to make Auckland’s ITM Cup squad and show his qualities and versatility. In the Wellington match, he atoned for some early errors with a sterling second spell. He can play all three loose forward positions and is good enough for Super Rugby in 2016.

4 NATHANIEL APA Just turned 19, the Kelston Boys’ High School wing or centre helped his school to their fourth Condors 7s title in December with a big clutch play. He had already represented NZ Schools in Australia and now finds himself on the fringes of the Canterbury ITM Cup squad, the union having identified a dearth of outside backs and seeing Auckland as full of talent in that area. We might see Apa in the Crusaders by 2016.

5 ATU MOLI Waikato are taking a softly- softly approach with the 2013 Marlborough Boys’ College head boy. The tighthead prop was going to suit up for the province in the Under 19 tournament, but he has already had sage judges nodding with approval at his work for the New Zealand Under 20s at the JWC. Last season he led MBC to Press Cup glory. Next season, having gained tips from his flatmate Ben Tameifuna, Moli could be anchoring Waikato’s ITM Cup scrum.