Rugby: Rotorua Boys' charge to final

Rotorua Boys' captain Isaac Te Aute (right) led his team to the finals of the Super 8 competition. Photo / Ben Fraser

The Rotorua Boys' High School 1st XV team have earned a spot in the final of the prestigious Super 8 competition following their latest victory.

Rotorua Boys' travelled to Manawatu at the weekend where they defeated Palmerston North Boys' High School 31-22.

They now have a record of five wins and one loss in the Super 8 this season, which is good enough to put them into the final against Hamilton Boys' High School on August 8.

There is still one round remaining before the final which will see Rotorua play New Plymouth BHS at home this weekend.

The Super 8 secondary schools 1st XV competition features the best eight rugby schools in the central North Island, from Palmerston North to Hamilton.

Rotorua coach Ngarimu Simpkins said his team played well on Saturday considering they had just returned home from a rugby trip to South America, then backed up with a road trip to Palmerston North.

"Coming back from the tour the boys were a bit fatigued so I was really proud of them to get a win away from home," he said. "I don't think we were ever in any doubt of winning the game but [Palmerston North] made us work really hard for it."

He said to qualify for the final was very pleasing.

"That was one of our goals at the start of the season to be contenders. So we are really pleased and happy to be in that final."

The Super 8 final will be played in Hamilton on August 8, provided Hamilton Boys' High don't slip up this weekend.

Simpkins said Viliame Tosi had a huge game in the forwards at the weekend and was coming into some great form, while backs Isaac Te Aute, Te Ra Whata and James Tofa were leading the team well.