CONTENDERS

WELLINGTON COLLEGE

Going back-to-back in the Wellington First XV competition is a rare thing but the offseason has been relatively kind to the defending champs.

Eleven of the winning squad are back, including a technically proficient pack with star quality in lock Naitoa Ah Kuoi. By design, the balance of Year 13 experience in the squad is to avoid the cyclical ups and downs of schoolboy rugby and the proof will be in the consistency of the pudding. Unbeaten through Weltec in 2016, Wellington College’s defence was and will be the cornerstone again, with their points against tally almost half that of their nearest rival.

Averaging less than eight points against per game is a robust base to work from and has proved to be an effective approach against a raft of teams who regularly surpassed 30 points on attack.

SCOTS COLLEGE

The dirty word ‘rebuilding’ wasn’t uttered by coach Rasch but with a 19 strong posse returning for 2017, the disappointments of last season could at least be explained.

Finalists in 2015 and knocked out before the semis last year, Scots will be primed to make a charge for the title and the young cattle they have are promising.

Tai Neli in the midfield is one to keep an eye on and his time in the WRFU Academy will have enhanced his attacking ability. Quick on his feet with a range of tools to beat defenders first off, Neli is ominously growing in strength and speed.

Up front and getting Neli the ball is Moala Katoa, a frontrower with three years already under his lengthy belt. Strong and technically sound, Katoa adds value with his outstanding leadership and ball carrying ability.

ST PAT’S SILVERSTREAM

Riding on the annual First XV rollercoaster, Silverstream are in position for a title push in 2017. Youth is on their side and the valuable experience gained from the disappointment of 2016 is also supplemented with bona fide quality.

Losing to Rongotai in the quarterfinals was a shock to the school who, at the end of seven rounds, were only two competition points off second place.

Likely to be running the side from No 10 is the accomplished Harrison Boyle, an all-round athlete who is also an outstanding cricketer with both bat and ball.

Experienced at fullback, Boyle’s versatility and leadership qualities have been recognised through the years with Wellington rep honours. Coach, former Wellington Lions hooker, Tim Mannix will no doubt have the pack giving Boyle and co good ball and, as Laban suggested, they have the most settled squad among the local teams.