Rugby: Rotorua Boys' well in contention

Te Ra Whata will be looking to impose himself against Hamilton Boys' High School this weekend. Photo/Andrew Warner

The Rotorua Boys' High School first XV have the opportunity to put themselves right in the Super Eight rugby title race on Saturday when they host Hamilton Boys' High School.

The Chiefs Cup champions, who were disappointed with their opening round 20-20 draw away from home against Tauranga Boys' College, are faced with the competition leaders and have a perfect chance to turn the competition on its head.

Hamilton Boys' struggled by their high standards during the Chiefs Cup, but collected four-try bonus points in both their 22-20 victory over Palmerston North Boys' High School and the 29-13 dismissal of New Plymouth Boys' High School to open their Super Eight campaign.

Last week's 39-23 win against Gisborne Boys' High School propelled Rotorua Boys' into a share of third, though second-placed Gisborne Boys' have played an extra game.

The two sides met less than a month ago, with Rotorua Boys' shutting out their Hamilton rivals 15-0 on their way to hoisting the Chiefs Cup.

Rotorua Boys' coach Bruce Buckton knows that will mean nothing come Saturday.

"We know they are going to be a different side than the one we saw in the Chiefs Cup," he said.

His players had been highly motivated to knock off the world champions in the Chiefs Cup, and would need the same sustained intensity to repeat the dose.

"In this competition you have to play for 70 minutes, not 50.

"Against Gisborne we started well - probably better than we have in the last two games.

"We needed to rebuild after the 20-20 draw with Tauranga Boys' College - I think we found it a bit difficult coming down from the euphoria of the Chiefs Cup." He said the match represents a crucial juncture as the middle game in a three-match home stand that could define their season, and a few niggles aside has a a fully-fit squad to choose from.

The undefeated 2nd XV match will kick off at 10.30am, before the main game begins at noon.