Rugby: Lock Tiaki Fabish seeks winning farewell on home turf

NBHS First XV lock Tiaki Fabish warms up for a training session this week. Photo / Duncan Brown

Win, draw or lose, today's match will be the last on Napier Boys' High School's No 1 ground for 12 members of their First XV.

"That's a major motivating factor for us. We've all had lots of special moments on the ground," one of the dozen, lock Tiaki Fabish, said during the countdown to the Hurricanes' semifinal against St Pat's Town of Wellington.

"We put 60 points on them earlier in the season. But we can't be light-hearted ... just being ruthless has been our main focus this week," Fabish explained.

The 17-year-old second-year First XV player agreed if the hosts can reproduce the same intensity displayed in their 23-22 Super 8 final loss to Hamilton Boys' High School a fortnight ago they should secure a berth in the Palmerston North-hosted Hurricanes final.

"But at the same time we are looking to improve because that has been our goal each week this season."

A former Hawke's Bay under-16 development, under-13 and Ross Shield rep, Fabish has been part of a formidale pack this season.

"There's a little bit of competitiveness between us forwards. The success of our entire squad is the result of a tight brotherhood on and off the field," Fabish said.

The former Taradale Intermediate School and Greenmeadows Primary School student pointed out consistency in selection has also worked in the squad's favour. Coach Brendon Ratcliffe has retained the same 22 used in the Super 8 final.

Fabish intends to go to university in Wellington next year to embark on a four-year building science degree. He will continue to play rugby while in the capital.

Ratcliffe is thrilled to be able to select an unchanged side. He pointed out his troops are eager to eliminate the hurt and disappointment which continues to linger after the Hamijlton loss.

All Blacks legend Sir Brian Lochore, the grandfather of Fabish's locking partner Frank Lochore, sent Ratcliffe and the team a message this week.

"Sir Brian had just watched a replay of our game against Hamilton. He told us how impressed he was with the team and how outstanding he thought they had played. Every now and then teams don't get results they deserve and it is unjust. It was a powerful message from a man who knows a lot about the game," Ratcliffe recalled.

He added the hosts are eager to produce a polished display in memory of former First XV player, Maori All Black and Magpie Heitia Hiha who died this week. Hiha was a former rugby and tennis opponent of Sir Brian.

The St Pat's Town team is coached by former Magpies prop Kas Lealamanua.

Ratcliffe said they have improved throughout the season and base a lot of their play around powerful No 8 Keelan Whitman.

"They also have big front-rowers who have become strong ball carriers. They have got fitter as the season has progressed. Their midfield is also powerful.

"They did enough to win the Wellington final last weekend and would have been disappointed with their loss," Ratcliffe added referring to St Pat's Town's 29-22 loss to St Patrick's College, Silverstream.

The Napier Boys' High School team for the 12.30pm match is:
Max Anderson, Jack Sheriden, Leo Thompson, Keegan Christian-Goss, Jayden Stok, Henry Williams, Treyah Kingi-Taukamau, Luke Russell, Sam Henderson, Josh Gimblett, Frank Lochore, Tiaki Fabish, Patrick Teddy, Tyrone Thompson, Jayden Walker. Substitutes: Forwards, Hayden Davis, Manaaki Aranui, Oskar Lynch, Rob Slabbekoorn. Backs, Angus Kilmister, Harry Devine, Caleb Turner.