You don't need imports to be a force on the national secondary schools rugby scene.
That was the message from Napier Boys' High School 1st XV head coach Brendon Ratcliffe after his troops beat national champions Hastings Boys' High School 27-7 in their second round Super 8 fixture in Hastings on Saturday. It was Hastings' first loss on New Zealand soil in two seasons.
"This isn't a shot at Hastings because we have the utmost respect for them. It's more a shot at the system in New Zealand where too much poaching takes place. All of our players were at the school from year 9, are homegrown and none are on scholarships. We believe we have a responsibility to prove you can still do it this way ... you can be successful through hard work," Ratcliffe said.
As expected Napier's big and powerful pack was far superior to the Hastings engine room. Napier's superb accuracy on attack was matched by their relentless defence.
"That win was the result of doing the simple things hard and well. Nothing needs to be complicated and we urge our boys to enjoy themselves on defence as much as they do during their time with the ball," Ratcliffe said.