Gisborne Boys’ High’s Timuaki Stewart tries to push off a Napier Boys’ High defender in a Super 8 first 15 match at the Rectory field. Stewart starts on the left wing tomorrow as Gisborne host defending champions Rotorua Boys’ High. Both teams lost their opening two Super 8 games.Picture by Liam Clayton
How big would it be for Gisborne Boys’ High School to beat Rotorua Boys’ High at the Rectory tomorrow?
A victory to the Gisborne first 15 over reigning Super 8 rugby champions Raukura would be their first against Rotorua in a decade.
They would also claim the Craig Callaghan Memorial Trophy for the first time since its inception four years ago.
Gisborne haven’t beaten Rotorua since a 31-20 triumph away 10 years ago.
The closest they have come since then was Raukura’s 24-19 result here in 2016.
Rotorua beat the Duane Hihi-coached Gisborne 36-11 in a Moascar Cup challenge at Rotorua last year in a rugged affair.
Openside flanker Braith Ingram and co-captain and second-five Puna Hihi have thought long and hard on tomorrow’s clash.
“For the past week we’ve talked about ‘earning the right’ to do certain things,” Ingram said.
“All the teams we go up against are tough, and Rotorua bring that physicality from the first minute to the last.
“We’ve trained well this week and aim to come away with a win.”
Gisborne have lost both Super 8 games here this season — 29-5 to Napier on May 20; 59-21 to Palmerston North a fortnight ago.
The Gisborne forward pack will be the same as for the Palmerston North game.
Kauri Christie is in for Liam Beattie at halfback, Safin Tuwairua-Brown has replaced Te-Reimana Gray at first-five, and Timuaki Stewart takes Tuwairua-Brown’s left-wing berth.
Kaiaio Kerekere-Tangira has moved from fullback to centre in place of Quaydon Chaffey-Kora at centre.
Kahurangi Leach-Waihi has taken Stewart’s spot on the right wing and Gibson Poi will start at fullback.
The trophy at stake tomorrow commemorates Raukura old boy Craig Callaghan, who was first 15 assistant coach to Rotorua and Gisborne boys’ high schools.
Rotorua will defend it with an iron will under new head coach Kieran Botha, who for two years was an assistant to Ngarimu Simpkins of Ngati Porou East Coast Meads Cup fame.
Botha’s crew lost their first two Super 8 games at home — 32-19 to Napier BHS and 29-27 to Tauranga Boys’ College.
Botha, whose side will be led by hooker Sairusi Ravudi and halfback Jai Tamati, said: “We know this game is going to be physical and played with passion. These two schools play hard and express themselves on the field.
“Both will fight for their first Super 8 win this year, so there’s plenty on the line.”
Tomorrow’s game, which kicks off at 12.30pm, will feature talent aplenty. Rotorua co-captain Ravudi, a Fiji Schools 7s representative and Fiji under-18 player, will be worth watching. So too the dynamic Gisborne back-row of Jimmy Moore, Ingram and Luke Bidois.
The Gisborne backs also have the courage and zip to excite fans hoping to see them get the ball in space.
Also on show will be the u14s (9am) and u15s (10.30am) on Rectory No.2, and the second 15s (10.30am) on Rectory 1.
Mike Kora’s Gisborne second 15 are keen to replicate their heroics from the game against Napier BHS, a 13-7 win at home.
Officials will be Wellington premier grade ref Matt Thomas (first 15) with Joel Pearse and Ray Young his assistants. Pearse and Young also have the second 15 match. The referee for the u15s match has yet to be confirmed. Miah Nikora will referee the u14s clash.
Gisborne boys’ High
first 15: Malosi Luafalealo, Noah Torrance-Cribb, Levi Cameron, Joe Kemp, Reuben Whaitiri, Jimmy Moore, Braith Ingram (co-captain), Luke Bidois, Liam Beattie, Safin Tuwairua-Brown, Timuaki Stewart, Puna Hihi (cc), Kaiaio Kerekere-Tangira, Kahurangi Leach-Waihi, Gibson Poi. R: (17-23) Jahn Niwa-Karakia, Tipene Wilson, James McKay, Kauri Christie, Impala Waipara, Ratu Nairoroi.
ROTORUA BOYS’ HIGH
FIRST 15: Harold Rounds, Sairusi Ravudi (cc), Lio Sagato, Jacob Gilbert, Hunter Weaver, Setaliki Mafileo, Troy Haami, Rupene Hemopo, Jai Tamati (cc), Ryan Elliot, Milan Tawera Milosevic, Ngatanatafu Vake, Wiremu Brailey, Lytle Brophy, Maloni Kunawave. R: Aterea Thrupp, Cody Renata, Kaea Matene, Josh Norman, Kahu Kiel, Leon Edmonds, Josiah Graham.
GBHS u15s: Josh Aukuso, Sio Tavake, Naera Keelan-Wyllie, Tahana Bristowe, Jahdin McKenzie, Storm de Thier, Max Hammond, Malakai Tea, Coen-Theros Brown (cc), Ruan Ludwig, Sariah Houia, Messiah Tiopira, Jasper Drayton, Mana Stewart, Quinn Pirihi-Coutts. Reserves: Tane Heemi, Rakai Derris, Enoka Nukunuku, Cleveland Heemi, Apairoa Pokoati, Nevaryn Reweti.
Other GBHS teams TBC
The hosts were defeated in their first home game but there were plenty of positives.