Tangaroa next up after winning start

Gisborne Boys’ High back Quaydon Chaffey-Kora slips past at Mount Maunganui College in a first 15 rugby match between the schools at the Rectory fields last week. Gisborne won the match 32-0 and are looking to build on that performance when they host Auckland’s Tangaroa College, followed by home clashes with De La Salle College and Kelson Boys’ High. Preview for tomorrow’s match on page 21.Picture by Liam Clayton

The Puna Hihi-led team are on show here again at 4pm today.

The Gisborne Boys’ High School first 15, who opened their season with a 32-0 win against Mount Maunganui College on the Rectory No.1 ground last Friday, are set to defend that turf against Auckland 1B crew Tangaroa College.

The home team scored six tries under powerful second five-eighth Hihi in Game 1, but only the last try — to vice-captain and No.8 Luke Bidois — was converted by fullback Isimeli Vono.

Vono has traded places with Kahurangi Leach-Waihi and moved to the right wing for Gisborne Boys’ High School’s second home game.

The talented Ruan Ludwig will debut at first-five. Manawanui Stewart is ready to debut off the reserves bench.

The visitors will be led by openside flanker Albert Samau and second-five Lockia Norma Kamana.

Spectators can expect physicality in stacks and a willingness by the players to run hard on an excellent playing surface whatever water arrives.

The temperature is expected to be

21 degrees, with light rain and an easterly breeze.

The referees for today’s game are Poverty Bay’s Ben Holt, Joel Pearse and Poverty Bay Heartland head coach Miah Nikora.

GISBORNE BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL first 15: Franco Ludwig, Oakley Brown-Terekia, Whetu McGhee, Tahana Bristowe, Mano Tavake, Bekko Page, James McKay, Luke Bidois, Connor Paenga, Ruan Ludwig, Timuaki Stewart, Puna Hihi (captain), Quaydon Chaffey-Kora, Isimeli Vono, Kahurangi Leach-Waihi. Reserves: Patelisio Tavake, Tyrone Mauheni, Tomasi Mataele, Storm De Thier, Maioha Waru, Impala Waipara, Maika Davita, Manawanui Stewart.

TANGAROA COLLEGE: Jafaya Gago, Shykryn Tiatia, Puipui Sofeni, John Seufale, Jolly Tupai, Talalelei Sa’olele Mahler Tavae, Albert Samau (co-captain), Volendoe Filimoeatu, Sam Matua, Manarangi-Ariki Selwyn-Cecil, Jordan Murray, Lockia Norma Kamana (cc), Kotiau Takairangi, Damien Teinaki, Junior Tolai. Reserves: Jeremiah Maluafou, Ben Seufale, Jay Falemaka, Ernesto Enoka, San’Jose Enoka.

GISBORNE BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL: Franco Ludwig, Oakley Brown-Terekia, Whetu McGhee, Tahana Bristowe, Mano Tavake, Bekko Page, James McKay, Luke Bidois, Connor Paenga, Ruan Ludwig, Timuaki Stewart, Puna Hihi (captain), Quaydon Chaffey-Kora, Isimeli Vono, Kahurangi Leach-Waihi. Reserves: Patelisio Tavake, Tyrone Mauheni, Tomasi Mataele, Storm De Thier, Maioha Waru, Impala Waipara, Maika Davita, Manawanui Stewart.

TANGAROA COLLEGE: Jafaya Gago, Shykryn Tiatia, Puipui Sofeni, John Seufale, Jolly Tupai, Talalelei Sa’olele Mahler Tavae, Albert Samau (co-captain), Volendoe Filimoeatu, Sam Matua, Manarangi-Ariki Selwyn-Cecil, Jordan Murray, Lockia Norma Kamana (cc), Kotiau Takairangi, Damien Teinaki, Junior Tolai. Reserves: Jeremiah Maluafou, Ben Seufale, Jay Falemaka, Ernesto Enoka, San’Jose Enoka.