27-10 loss to De La Salle here last Friday, is fighting fit.
Kahurangi Leach-Waihi, who scored the third try of the game against De La Salle on a kick-and-chase from fullback, and skilful first-five Ruan Ludwig — another of the best performers in that game — are both on deck again.
No.8 Malakai Tea will start in place of arguably GBHS’ outstanding forward last time, vice-captain Luke Bidois, who stepped up as leader with the loss of Puna Hihi in the first half.
Malosi Luafalealo has taken Franco Ludwig’s berth at loosehead prop and Bekko Page
has moved from the blindside flank to the openside in place of Mano Tavake. Patelisio Tavake is the new No.6.
“We have a depleted team for this game, which isn’t ideal, but that’s rugby. New players have slotted in well,” said Gisborne head coach Hihi.
“We’re under no illusions. Kelston would be a tough game if we were at full strength, let alone with a team carrying injuries. But our boys are excited and can’t wait to get into it.”
Despite his team’s margins of victory against Gisborne, KBHS director of rugby Matt Howling has a healthy respect for Gisborne Boys’ High School rugby. The home team has played three, won two at home on Rectory No.1 ground, with a break between today’s game and Game 5 against Feilding High School in Hastings on April 26 to come.
They will need to play at a higher level and maintain that intensity into breaks in play.
Driving play has been a feature of their rugby to date. Expect to see dazzling ball movement at times but that could come in fits and starts.
The Rectory faithful who witnessed the 2018 thriller in the rain, and the effort then, would love to see another such game, if not the fingertip snatch and scoot down the left touch by KBHS No.6 Asolelei Fretton, for the try that won it with 20 seconds to play.
The Gisborne second 15 will play their first interschool game of the season against Kelston at the Rectory from 9.30am, with the first 15 match kicking off at 11am.
Crowds at Gisborne BHS v Kelston BHS games at the Rectory have been rewarded with great performances as far back as the 1970s. It is not a game to miss.
Referees will be Terry Reeves (first 15s) and Joel Pearson (second 15s). Assistant referees for the main game will be Pearson and Poverty Bay Heartland head coach Miah Nikora.
The teams — GBHS first 15: Malosi Luafalealo, Oakley Brown-Terekia/Tyrone Mauheni, Whetu McGhee/Franco Ludwig, Storm De Thier, Tahana Bristowe, Patelisio Tavake, Bekko Page, Malakai Tea, James Hamblyn, Ruan Ludwig, Timuaki Stewart, Impala Waipara/Puna Hihi (c), Quaydon Chaffey-Kora, Isimeli Vono, Kahurangi Leach-Waihi. Reserves: Tyrone Mauheni/Oakley Brown-Terekia, Tomasi Mataele, Franco Ludwig/Whetu McGhee, Josh Aukuso, Connor Paenga, Puna Hihi/Impala Waipara, Maioha Waru, TBC.
Kelston BHS first 15: Tianau Letoa, Xavier Leota (vc), Solo Baleinaikasakasa, Nathan Auld, Dom Pasina, Ulutoa Aii, Joseph Paialii, Aio Keith (cc), Sam Toko, Tyson Parsons, Marrick Purcell, Jarrel Tuaimalo Vaega (vc), Paula Luau (cc), Tariec Mulitalo, Koupa Nomotu. Reserves: Lui Stowers, Kalani Mulivai, Maddox Bernard, Satali Fretton, Cesc Keith, Tapelu Fala, Hinckley Ioka, Crichton Fuifui.
GBHS second 15: Tane Te Aho-Heemi, Nevaryn Rewita, Joshua Aukuso, Zandre Viljoen, Oli Keepa-Fitzsimons, Rakai Ferris, Felix Sparks, Sione Kaliopasi (vc), Connor Paenga, David Gray (c), Anthony Tupa, Mana Stewart, Jayden De Thier, Darius Kiwara, Kye Symes. Reserves: Lykhin Poihipi, Naera Keelan-Wyllie, Simi Falefoou, Ziya Swann, Jayzhon Ihimaera-Kaaho, Mahara Kururangi, Maika Daveta.
Kelston BHS second 15: Uiki Mataafa, Lui Stowers (cc), John Pupa, Cable Harris, George Hemopo, Benji Wichman, Cesc Keith, Maddox Bernard (vc), Dylan Brown, Sam Clark, Jayzharn Ramania, Crichton Fuifui (cc), Maz Burns, Lance Alona, Rico Finau. Reserves: Zac Schramm, Taiari fono Mulitalo, Tofiga Tapusoa, Nikau Wright, Flynn Talbot, Okusi Tatafu, Kingston Mulivai, Delyas Sua.
