 New Zealand U20s 63 (Will Jordan 3, Tom Christie 2 Ryan Coxon, Orbyn leger, Dalton Papalii, tries; Tiaan Falcon 3 pen, Falcon 5 con; Ciarahn Matoe 2 con) beat Fiji U20s 3 (Viliame Botitu pen). Halftime: 35-0
The New Zealand U20s opened their Under 20 Oceania Tournament on the Gold Coast with a comfortable 63-3 win over the Fijian U20s this evening. In windy conditions, New Zealand outscored the Fijians 8 tries to nil, fullback Will Jordan crossing for a hat-trick and starting first five-eighth Tiaan Falcon kicking 19 points. Playing with the aid of the strong wind, New Zealand scored four tries and sailed to a 35-0 halftime lead. New Zealand were far too clinical for the Fijians, who had their moments but their own unforced errors combined with the excellent work at the break down by all three New Zealand loose forwards, Captain Luke Jacobson, Dalton Papalii and enegetic Tom Christie, proved telling. Starting halfback Kemara Hauiti Parapara gave good, crisp service to the backs, with Falcon’s general kicking in the first half also a feature and right wing Tima Faingaanuku making several strong thrusts. Flyhalf Falcon opened the game’s scoring with a penalty, after some incisive phase play up into the Fijian 22 with centre Tamati Tui and blindside flanker Papalii prominent. Tua and second five-eighth Orbyn Leger created more impetus, leading to a second penalty for Falcon and a 6-0 lead. After a sweeping raid up-field, Papalii offloaded a pass in the corner to right wing Faingaanuku who was bundled into touch. From the next lineout, lock Jacob Pierce secured clean ball off the top and offloaded to a rampaging Papalii who was brought down just short of the chalk. But prop Ryan Coxon crossed from the next ruck, Falcon converted from out wide and New Zealand now led 13-0 after as many minutes. Falcon made it three from three with his third penalty, extending the lead to 16-0. The forwards got a roll on up into the 22 after a lineout steal by lock Sam Slade. Captain Jacobson went close to scoring, before the ball was ripped out to Leger who crossed over to score the second try. Falcon added the extras to extend the lead to 23-0. A turnover from 60 metres out and a nice run up the far side by fullback Will Jordan almost set up a third try on the near side to left wing Jona Nareki but he was snaffled into touch in the corner. However, the Fijian blindside flanker, Samisoni Rabuka, was handed 10 minutes in the sin-bin during the build-up and New Zealand attacked from a scrum in prime position, leading directly to a try to fullback Jordan. Falcon maintained his 100 percent kicking record, advancing the score to 30-0. New Zealand finished off the first half by running back a Fijian clearing kick from halfway and almost scoring near the posts. Fiji turned the ball over but their exit play picked out Falcon in mid-field who set up another attacking play, leading to Papalii crossing in the corner. Fiji made a horror start to the second half, throwing a wild exit pass near their line and handing New Zealand an attacking 5-metre scrum. Going wide, Leger threw a nice cut out pass to Jordan and he cruised in to score his brace. Falcon’s conversion put New Zealand up 42-0. Right wing Faingaanuku injected himself into the backline from a lineout, setting up a third try to Jordan in the far corner. Falcon nailed the sideline conversion into the wind, making it 49-0. New Zealand rang the changes off the bench, ahead of Fiji embarking on their best period of the contest thus far and flyhalf Viliame Botitu kicked a penalty for their first, and only, points. New Zealand weathered a strong period of Fijian attack, twice turning the ball over on their own line. Regaining momentum, they kicked into the corner from a penalty on halfway and went to work again. Tom Christie crossed to score from a subsequent scrum. Flanker Christie was on in good support to score his second try with a few minutes remaining. New Zealand’s next match in the tournament is on Tuesday against Samoa, followed by their third game against Australia next Saturday.  The New Zealand team to play Fiji in the first Test of the Under 20 Oceania Tournament on the Gold Coast tomorrow, April 28 at 7pm NZT, has been named. The team is: 1 Harrison Allen - Canterbury 2 JP Sauni - Auckland 3 Ryan Coxon - Waikato 4 Jacob Pierce - Auckland 5 Sam Slade - Auckland 6 Dalton Papalii (VC) - Auckland 7 Tom Christie - Canterbury 8 Luke Jacobson (C) - Waikato 9 Kemara Hauiti Parapara - Wellington 10 Tiaan Falcon - Hawke’s Bay 11 Jona Nareki - Otago 12 Orbyn Leger - Counties Manukau 13 Tamati Tua - Northland 14 Tima Faingaanuku - Tasman 15 Will Jordan - Tasman 16 Asafo Aumua Wellington 17 Tim Farrell Hawke’s Bay 18 Pouri Rakete-Stones - Hawke’s Bay 19 Isaia Walker-Leawere - Wellington 20 Adrian Choat - Auckland 21 Carlos Price - Wellington 22 Ciarahn Matoe - Taranaki 23 Caleb Clarke - Auckland Note: Robb Cobb has travelled with the Under 20 squad to the Gold Coast as a replacement for Alex Fidow who injured himself just prior to the team’s assembly. New Zealand Under 20 Head Coach Craig Philpott said the team was coming together well for the tournament, which this year includes Fiji, Samoa and hosts Australia. “We’ve had some challenges coming over, with a couple of late changes and replacements, but the group is gelling really well and enjoying each other’s company. “The Oceania tournament provides the first taste of international Test match rugby for several of the players, and offers a good step up for them. We’ve had All Blacks Assistant Coach Ian Foster in camp with us for the last three days which has inspired the team and he offered plenty of good advice in training for the boys. “When selecting the starting teams for this tournament we want to give everyone an equal shot at game time, to test some different combinations and cement our game plan for the World Championship in June. All the guys will either get a start or come off the bench over the three games. “This Fijian side is an unknown quantity to us. However, it’s probable they will want to keep the ball alive and not kick too much, play with flair and want to attack. We think we have the combinations to counter the strengths of the opposition. “For this tournament we have set ourselves a couple of simple goals around attack and defence. We want to embed the patterns that we have been working on in our earlier camps in New Zealand and in training this week on the Gold Coast. I’m looking to see players to stick with those patterns, regardless of the pressure they come under, so we stay in shape and stay in structure.” Schedule for Oceania Under 20 Tournament: Friday 28 April v Fiji, 7.00pm NZT Tuesday 2 May v Samoa, 5.00pm NZT Saturday 6 May v Australia, 9.00pm NZT  Photo Credit Scott Yarndley. This is not an official team, just some thoughts from your humble correspondence who watched two games at once as best he could.
1. Fatongia Paea (Scared Heart College) - 'Tiny Tupou,' he looks a like and plays with the socks down was a big ball carrier and scrimmaged well. 2. Sam Cooper (St. Paul's Collegiate) - Mobile and skilful in addition to doing his main job accurately. An honourable mention for Adam Reid and Caleb Allison the Christchurch BHS and St. Bede's captains. 3. George Dyer (St. Paul's Collegiate) - Stood up well to the challenge of Paea and caused Gisborne a lot of trouble today. An honourable mention for Fasi Simati from Napier BHS. 4. Junior Ratuva (King's College) - Caused Gisborne a lot of trouble with his lineout work. Rangy and effective. 5. Jake Lochore (Napier BHS) - Not flashy, but industrious with good hands aerially. 6. Mills Sanarevi (King's College) - Abrasive game against Napier as captain. Worked hard, good size. 7. Jock Yardley (St. Paul's Collegiate) - Not the biggest openside, but tiggerish on defense and rewarded with two tries. 8. Judda Turahui (King's College) - Only Year 11, but already contracted to the Melbourne Storm and playing to a higher level than a lot of other loose forwards his age. 9. Louie Chapman (Christchurch BHS) - A brave Year 11 halfback with swift pass and good judgment. 10. Ferg Burke (St. Paul's Collegiate) - Maturing all the time. Kicked well and caused concern when he selectively ran. An honourable mention for St. Kent's Rivez Reihana. 11. Terry Pongi (Sacred Heart College) - Played at centre as well. If Sacred give Pongi plenty of ball they will win more than they lose in 2017. 12. Meihana Grindlay (King's College) - Well built he was strong with ball in hand and has a solid boot. At Year 12 expect plenty more growth from Grindlay. 13.Enete Nani (St. Kentigern College) - Outstanding try against Christchurch BHS broke the game open. Nani will produce plenty of highlights this year. 14. Peni Lasaga (St. Kentigern College) - Swift footwork, great try v Christchurch BHS 15. Nikau McGregor (Napier BHS) - Top match against St. Bede's, less prominent against King's, but still solid. A key figure for Napier in 2017. Thanks to Adam Julian for his time on the sidelines today!  The St. Paul's Collegiate First XV festival has concluded in bright sunshine in Hamilton today with another four games.
Due to serious injuries and UC Championship commitments on Saturday, Christchurch Boys' High School and St. Bede's College reduced the length of their respective fixtures to 50 minutes. Christchurch rebounded strongly from their defeat on Sunday to St. Kentigern College to convincingly account for De La Salle College 31-5. The game was reduced to uncontested scrums because Christchurch was unable to field any front row reserves. The less torrid physical examination suited Christchurch who were able to play with width and stretch the larger De La Salle boys. Christchurch's five tries were scored by left wing Ben Roberts, halfback Louie Chapman, tighthead prop Murphy Kupe and first-five Ryan Barnes who incidentally impressed with his flipping showcase at the official tournament dinner last night. Barnes somersaulting and Christchurch's play was certainly more lively than their monotonous rendition of the school song at the same event. For De La Salle tighthead Samson Sa'u made some jolting tackles, captain George Huch worked hard at No.8 and centre TJ Ane was occasionally threatening. St. Bede's tussle with Sacred Heart College was anything but monotonous despite a low scoring 7-0 victory for the Auckland Catholics. Fatongia Paea or 'Tiny Tupou' broke the stalemate midway through the second-half when he thrust through two St. Bede's defenders and reached out to touchdown. Sacred Heart are being assisted in the coaching department by All Black and Auckland scrum guru Mike 'Sparkles' Casey. Tom McHugh, Sam Thomas, Daniel Tupou, Michael Tamoaieta and Sosefo Kautai, all New Zealand Schools or Under-20 reps, are just some of Casey's prodigies from Sacred Heart and Paea looks more than promising. Sacred Heart enjoyed more territory and possession, but St. Bede's defense was dogged. They had a late chance to tie the game when wing Reuben Kolter chipped dead after a near length of the field break involving several players. Others to standout were Terry Pongi who shifted from centre to wing for Sacred Heart. Te Aho Eketone-Whitu at No.8 and captain Caleb Allison at hooker thrived defensively for St. Bede's. Napier Boys' High School and King's College produced the tightest contest of the day over a full 70 minutes. King's were victors by 19-14. Initially Napier was forced to defend for much of the first-half and converted tries to No.8 Judda Turahui and second-five Meihana Grindlay had King's in complete control at 14-0. The game turned when Napier second-five Leo Thompson snatched an intercept and dashed 60-meters before transferring to winger Nathan Giles in support. Isa'ako Enosa scored again for King's to make it 19-7, before Napier was penalised twice agonisingly short of the King's goal line. Napier eventually struck again when No.8 Lolani Faleiva crawled over through a ruck, but a break by Grindlay anchored Napier in their half for the remainder of the game. King's blindside and captain Mills Sanarevi had a powerful game and winger Callum Douglas broke repeatedly. For Napier Fasi Simati (3) and lock Jack Lochore (grandson of Sir Brian Lochore) were busy and bustling. Out wide Nikau McGregor looked to involve himself again. Hosts St. Paul's Collegiate concluded the tourney with a rare traditional triumph over Gisborne BHS. Gisborne started brightly when wing Michael Fox poached an 80-meter intercept, but St. Paul's was able to assert their authority through a superior lineout and some piercing bursts by burley centre Valynce TeWhare. St. Paul's led 22-7 at halftime with openside Jock Yarndley collecting a brace from the back of rolling mauls. Yarndley and blindside Liam Allen were especially productive for St. Paul's. Allen was a frequent lineout choice. Gisborne blindside Matenga Taihuka pulled one for the visitors, but when TeWhare ploughed through to make it 29-14, Gisborne's resistance was shot. Industrious tighthead George Dyer had the final say to make the score line 34-14 in the finish to St. Paul's. The camp was embraced enthusiastically by all schools and there is already discussion about future expansion.  The first day of matches at the St. Paul's Collegiate First XV rugby festival have been completed with four fixtures, two at a time, contested in calm and overcast conditions this afternoon.
The hosts hit the ground running in a 50-minute affair against Sacred Heart College, leaping to a 12-0 lead in as many minutes. St. Paul's began at breakneck speed, retaining possession for multiple phases and breaching the visitors’ defence when right wing Matt Caskie chipped and regathered close to the goal line. Sacred Heart were initially error-ridden and St. Paul's first-five Ferg Burke dribbled a knock on from halfway to double St. Paul's lead. Sacred Heart regrouped and pulled a try back before the interval when hooker Macaulay Casey muscled over through traffic. Some bustling runs by busy winger Terry Pongi helped Sacred Heart stretch the St. Paul's defence. St. Paul's tried to use the breeze and play territory in the second-half, but some inaccurate kicking and Sacred Heart’s ability to control possession eventually resulted in a 19-12 victory for the 2016 1A runners up. Josk Ka and Tuno Lui scored second-half tires for Sacred Heart. The former try was dramatically converted from the sideline by halfback Taufa Funaki. Sacred loosehead Crusader Falelagoai, or 'Tiny Tupou,' had a storming game with some strong carries and solid scrummaging. For St. Paul's hooker Sam Cooper was similarly effective and openside Jock Yardley tackled himself to a standstill. St. Bede's College scrambled desperately to earn a resilient win against St. Pat’s Town on Thursday, but were unable to repeat their efforts today against Napier Boys' High School, losing 34-6. Fullback Caleb Pomare-Edwards kicked two penalties to nudge St. Bede's into a 6-5 lead close to halftime, but Napier's overwhelming weight of ball eventually told. Hooker Tyrone Thompson collected a brace for Napier and was joined on the score sheet by Tyrone Edwards (13), Nathan Giles (11), Leo Thompson (13) and Patrick Teddy (16). Centre Edwards scored four tries against Lindisfarne College and at Year 12 is a talented prospect to keep an eye on. Fullback Nikau McGregor was a livewire creating many chances with his incisions and Lolani Faleiva (converted from prop to No.8) was a handful at times for St. Bede's whose best were possibly blindside Joe Toma and lock Tom Koppen. The latter games were both played over 35 minutes. St. Kentigern College wore down a tenacious Christchurch Boys' High School 46-6 - a score line that flattered St. Kent's who lost their first pre-season match in six years to Hastings BHS earlier this week. Alex Harford kicked two penalties to nudge Christchurch into a slender 6-5 halftime lead. The UC Championship champions frustrated St. Kent's with their niggle at the ruck and blindside Ben Colvin and hooker Adam Reid in particular played out of their skins. St. Kent's hammered the Christchurch line for close to ten minutes after halftime and when silky first-five Rivez Reihana grubbered to himself to score a try the floodgates suddenly opened. The St. Kent's try scorers were Reihana, Jona Mataieiwa (12), Peni Lasaga (14), Benji Pauga (11), Rivez Reihana (10), Etene Nanai (13) and Kuli Baleisomosomo (reserve outside back). Nanai's try was an outstanding individual effort. He spun 180 degrees through two defenders and darted 55-metres up the touchline while Lasaga suggested he could get a job as a backup dancer for Beyonce with some lightning footwork close to the posts. King's College outclassed a disappointing Gisborne Boys' High School 58-7. Gisborne had a period just before halftime and midway through the second stanza where they asked some questions of King's, but lacked their usual high standards. King's tries were scored by: Epeli Ula (3), Meihana Grindlay (2), Aidan Morgan, Luke Tuhaka, Junior Ratuva, Callum Douglas and Sam Ludbrook. Ula on the left wing was fast and elusive, Grindlay is a sturdy second-five who performs the goal-kicking duties and lock Sam Ludbrook is athletic and caused hassles both with ball in hand and in the lineouts. Gisborne centre and Hurricanes Under-18 rep Austin Brown, No.8 Quade Tapsell and tighthead Joe Mason will be key figures in Gisborne's season.  The Black Ferns Sevens team to play the fourth leg of the 2016/17 HSBC Women’s World Sevens Series in Kitakyushu, starting this Saturday, has been named.
This is the first time an HSBC Women’s World Sevens Series tournament has been held in Japan and helps serves as preparation for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics where rugby sevens will feature. The 12-strong side features three changes from the team that won last month’s Las Vegas tournament, with Rebekah Cordero-Tufuga called into the starting line-up, while 17-year-old Lyric Faleafaga joins the squad for the first time as a travelling reserve with Tenika Willison. The team is: Sarah Goss (Captain) - Manawatu Michaela Blyde - Bay of Plenty Kelly Brazier - Bay of Plenty Rebekah Cordero-Tufuga - Manawatu Theresa Fitzpatrick - Auckland Tyla Nathan-Wong - Auckland Cheyelle Robins-Reti - Waikato Alena Saili - Southland Ruby Tui - Canterbury Kat Whata-Simpkins - Wellington Niall Williams - Auckland Portia Woodman - Counties Manukau Travelling reserves: Lyric Faleafaga Wellington Tenika Willison Waikato Black Ferns Sevens Head Coach Allan Bunting said keeping the core of the series- leading squad together was important while also creating opportunities for up-and-coming talent. “We’re still focused on consistency and continuity, so we’ve kept most of the squad from Las Vegas. We’ve brought in a couple of new players and Rebekah comes back after missing out the last couple of tournaments. “Rebekah’s had a couple of work-ons this series and she’s worked really hard at her game and is making good progress so has been rewarded with selection.” Seventeen-year-old St Mary’s College Wellington final year student Lyric Faleafaga joins the team for the first time and will experience the international tournament environment in the travelling reserve role. “This is about Lyric’s development plan, she’s young, has special talent and at 1.8 meters tall has real height. We’re really excited about her future so it’s all about giving her experiencing in the international tournament environment and personal growth for her.” Schedule for Black Ferns Sevens pool play: Saturday 22nd April 2017 3.20pm NZT v Japan 6.05pm NZT v France 8.48pm NZT v Russia Sunday 23rd April 2017 Finals Information on World Rugby HSBC Kitakyushu Women’s World Sevens Series Tournament http://www.worldrugby.org/womens-sevens-series/stage/1721
18/4/2017
Luke Jacobson to Captain NZ U20's Luke Jacobson - Playing at the 2016 U20 World Cup. The final squad for the Oceania Under 20 tournament on the Gold Coast starting on 28 May has been confirmed with former New Zealand Secondary Schools representatives Thomas Umaga-Jensen and Ciarahn Matoe joining the squad.
All Blacks apprentice Jordie Barrett will be unavailable due to Investec Super Rugby commitments and Blues first-five-eight Stephen Perofeta has been ruled out due to his ongoing recovery from an ankle injury. The final squad is: Forwards: Harrison Allan - Canterbury Asafo Aumua - Wellington Sam Caird - Waikato Adrian Choat - Auckland Tom Christie - Canterbury Ryan Coxon - Waikato Tim Farrell - Hawkes Bay Alex Fidow - Wellington Luke Jacobson (C) - Waikato Ezekiel Lindenmuth - Auckland Marino Mikaele-Tuu - Hawkes Bay Dalton Papalii - Auckland Jacob Pierce - Auckland John (JP) Sauni - Auckland Samuel Slade - Auckland Pouri Rakete-Stones - Hawkes Bay Isaia Walker-Leawere - Wellington Backs: Caleb Clarke - Auckland Ereatara Enari (VC) - Canterbury Braydon Ennor - Canterbury Tima Faingaanuku - Tasman Tiaan Falcon - Hawkes Bay Will Jordan - Tasman Kemara Hauiti-Parapara - Wellington Orbyn Leger - Counties Manukau Ciarahn Matoe - Taranaki Josh McKay - Canterbury Jona Nareki - Otago Carlos Price - Wellington Tamati Tua - Northland Thomas Umaga-Jensen - Wellington Not considered due to Investec Super Rugby commitments: Jordie Barrett Taranaki Players not considered due to injury: Stephen Perofeta Taranaki Peter Umaga Jensen Wellington New Zealand Under 20 Head Coach Craig Philpott said he was pleased with the depth of the squad. “We have been following Thomas’s return to rugby following his hip surgery in October last year with a view to inclusion in the squad. He’s had three weeks of club rugby and is tracking well. We know what he is capable of after his time in the Secondary Schools team and he is a welcome addition now that he is injury-free. “With Stephen and Jordie not available we needed extra cover at first-five-eight. Ciarahn’s time with the Chiefs U20 squad has gone well and he proved himself with the New Zealand Secondary Schools team last year. This is a good opportunity for him and one I am sure he will make the most of. “We had hoped that Stephen would be available for selection. However, it’s become clear he won’t be ready in time for the tournament due to his ankle injury. “As has been the case in previous years’ players have been deemed unavailable for the Oceania tournament due to their Super Rugby commitments. No final decision on their availability for the World Championship in Georgia in May and June has been made. The squad will travel to the Gold Coast for matches against Fiji on 28 April, Samoa on 2 May and Australia on 6 May. All matches will be played at Bond University, Gold Coast Rugby Fields.  Eight leading First XV's are going to be very busy at St. Paul's Collegiate in Hamilton between April 22 and 25.
During the school holidays St. Paul's Collegiate, Sacred Heart College, St. Bede's College, Napier Boys' High School, Gisborne Boys' High School, King's College, St. Kentigern College and Christchurch Boys' High School will participate in a special camp which includes team building, scenario trainings, guest speakers, tours of the Chiefs training base and Waikato Stadium, a formal dinner and two 50 minute games. The camp is the brain child of St. Paul's coach and trainer Tama Dean who has helped the school win the last three Central North Island titles and was previously employed by Hamilton Boys' High School winning the National Top Four. The games are as follows. April 23 1:45pm: St. Paul's Collegiate v Sacred Heart College 1:45pm: St. Bede's College v Napier Boys' High School 2:45pm: Gisborne Boys' High School v King's College 2:45pm: St. Kentigern College v Christchurch Boys' High School April 25 12:00pm: St. Bede's College v King's College 12:00pm: Christchurch Boys' High School v De La Salle College 12:00pm: Francis Douglas Memorial College v Aorere College* 1:20pm: St. Paul's Collegiate v Gisborne Boys' High School 1:20pm: Sacred Heart College v Napier Boys' High School *Bonus Game.  The University of Waikato Chiefs Taua Development team has been named to tour Hong Kong from 17-25 April. It is the third tour in as many years, serving as an important part of the Chiefs high-performance partnership with the Hong Kong Rugby Union.
The tour sees the University of Waikato Chiefs Taua Development team train together with the Hong Kong national squad and play a match against them on Saturday the 22nd of April at the Hong Kong Football Club. The players will also immerse themselves in the local community, delivering coaching sessions with local age grade players together with the Hong Kong Rugby Union during their stay. Chiefs High Performance Manager Chris Tindall said: “It is exciting to return to Hong Kong with the University of Waikato Chiefs Development team to continue our rugby development work in partnership with the Hong Kong Rugby Union. This tour to Hong Kong is a special opportunity for our players’ learning and development to experience international touring and fulltime preparation and performance as a team to play against the Hong Kong national squad, as well as Hong Kong being a great place to experience. It provides a real opportunity for the players to impress on and off the field for future Chiefs selection, as players have done from the tours in the last two years.” Dai Rees, Chief Rugby Operations Officer for the HKRU said: “The partnership with the Chiefs has grown from strength to strength over the past three years. Each year the training and joint sessions have become more intense offering great preparation to the Hong Kong Team for the Asia Rugby Championships in May and June. Both squads provide a great training camp environment with joint sessions throughout the weeklong tour. This all comes to a head at the Hong Kong Football Club on Saturday 22 April with both teams competing in a full game in front of a packed house as part of the annual Taipans celebration.” The University of Waikato Chiefs Taua Development touring squad of 27-players includes an exciting mix of youth and experience, including former Chief Lelia Masaga who has returned to New Zealand from playing in Japan, 2017 Chiefs Squad replacement players Samisoni Taukei’aho, Matiaha Martin and Latu Vaeno and eight players selected from the Chiefs Under 20s Squad this year. Four players return to Hong Kong from the touring squads in the last two years: Ayden Johnstone, Sekope Moli, Luteru Laulala and Elijah Nicholas. The squad includes players from across the Chiefs region, with representation from Provincial Unions Counties Manukau, Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Taranaki. Thirteen of the squad played in the 2016 Mitre 10 Cup. The squad also includes three players visiting with the Chiefs from the Kobelco Steelers in Japan: prop Motoki Yamazaki, lock Jang Seokhwan and midfielder Shintaro Hayashi. Former New Zealand Under 20s representative and Waikato loose-forward Mitchell Jacobson will captain the team. Previous University of Waikato Chiefs Taua Development team tourists to Hong Kong in the last two years who have progressed to the 2017 Gallagher Chiefs Super Rugby squad are Shaun Stevenson, Atu Moli, Liam Polwart, Mitchell Brown, the newly capped Gallagher Chiefs players Sefo Kautai and Aidan Ross. The University of Waikato Chiefs Taua Development touring squad to Hong Kong is: Props Ayden Johnstone (Waikato) Reuben O’Neill (Taranaki) Kalolo Tuiloma (Counties Manukau) Joshua Iosefo-Scott (Waikato) Motoki Yamazaki (Kobelco Steelers) Hookers Samisoni Taukei’aho (Waikato) Sekope Moli (Waikato) Locks Matiaha Martin (Counties Manukau) Viliame Rarasea (Counties Manukau) Lachlan McWhannell (Waikato) Jang Seokhwan (Kobelco Steelers) Loose Forwards Jahrome Brown (Waikato) Mitchell Jacobson (Waikato) – captain Du’Plessis Kirifi (Waikato) Ajay Lafaele-Mua (Bay of Plenty) Matt Vai’i (Counties Manukau) Halfbacks Logan Crowley (Taranaki) Luke Campbell (Bay of Plenty) 1ST fives Luteru Laulala (Counties Manukau) Kaleb Trask (Bay of Plenty) Midfield Matthew Lansdown (Waikato) Elijah Nicholas (Bay of Plenty) Shintaro Hayashi (Kobelco Steelers) Outside backs Latu Vaeno (Taranaki) Lelia Masaga Sheldon Tovio (Waikato) Tyler Campbell (Waikato) The University of Waikato Chiefs Taua Development team will be coached by Leo Crowley, Andrew Douglas and Paul Tito. University of Waikato Chiefs Development Squad players not available for the tour: Fin Hoeata (Taranaki), Jacob Skeen (Waikato), Jesse Parete (Bay of Plenty), Richard Judd (Bay of Plenty), Harrison Levien (Waikato), Liam Steele (Bay of Plenty), Lalakai Foketi (Bay of Plenty), Bailyn Sullivan (Waikato), Sevu Reece (Waikato). New Zealand U20 Squad players: Ryan Coxon (Waikato), Sam Caird (Waikato), Luke Jacobson (Waikato), Ciarahn Matoe (Taranaki) and Orbyn Leger (Counties Manukau) The 2017 University of Waikato Chiefs Taua Development Management Team for the Hong Kong tour is: Coach: Leo Crowley Coach: Andrew Douglas Coach: Paul Tito Manager: Gareth Duncan Trainer: Brad Mayo Physio: Paul Smiler Analyst: Mark Ray High Performance Manager: Chris Tindall  Pre-season is underway for many leading First XV's. In bright Wellington sunshine today Marlborough Boys' College visited Evans Bay Park to tackle St. Pats Town over four 20-minute quarters with rolling subs. Marlborough's squad of 25 players for the one-off trip included the two younger brothers of Chiefs prop Atu Moli - Easfe and Lavengamonu. The first-half was a dull affair with one spectator complaining the teams are "paid per scrum." Things brightened up considerably in the second half as both teams found their hands. It was 12-12 heading into the final quarter, but Town's greater forward power eventually told and the hosts prevailed by 29-12. Lock Jeremiah Tuiatua bullied his way over for two tries and impressed with his bustle. Keelan Whitman was busy in the loose and Boston Hunt energetic at fullback. Marlborough's tries were scored by Josh Chapman and Jack Shadbolt. Second-five Nigel Satherley in his third season of First XV rugby caused problems for Town and No.8 Jaydn Holdaway looks promising. Paarl Boys' High School from South Africa sent shockwaves around New Zealand with crushing wins against Gisborne BHS (73-3) and Nelson College (81-12). On Friday the tourists were humbled by UC Championship champions Christchurch Boys' High School (38-36). Christchurch raced out to a 28-5 halftime lead, which they extended to 35-10 early in the second-half. Paarl mounted a furious comeback and took the lead 36-35. Christchurch rallied and Alex Harford slotted a 30-metre penalty on fulltime to win the game. Defending national champions Mount Albert Grammar School's build up to the Sanix World Youth Invitational tourney in Japan has started with two hit outs for their 30-man squad. Sacred Heart College was defeated 25-5, but Westlake BHS held them to a 10-10 draw. De La Salle College beat Central North Island Champions St. Paul's Collegiate 19-16 in a gripping tussle yesterday. De La Salle hang on grimly in the last few minutes despite being reduced to 13 players. Otago Boys' High School defeated King's College 24-22 in an annual pre-season fixture on April 1 and started the Dunedin Premier Colts competition yesterday with an excellent 22-11 win over Southern. Wellington College celebrates their 150th Anniversary this year, but haven't made a vintage start to 2017 suffering defeats to Francis Douglas Memorial College and Feilding High School. Wellington have lost the latter contest for the past three years. The final score was 38-29. Wesley College have started their season with a win accounting for Dilworth School 18-10 last weekend. Rotorua Boys' High School thumped Auckland Grammar School 28-3 on Saturday. Hastings Boys' High School's first and second XVs defeated their Kelston Boys' High School opposites yesterday. Hastings won the First XV clash 53-0 and the Second XV fixture 26-5. |
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