The performance of this trio was pivotal as De La Salle dominated to an extent that they led 37-7 until the last five minutes when they belatedly let their guard down and conceded two tries.
The De La Salle "brotherhood" culture is such that singling out individual performance in a team game sits awkwardly with everyone at the college, from principal Myles Hogarty down to the humble and quietly spoken boys themselves.
But when an All Black legend starts noticing, its probably worth the rest of us taking a closer look.
Otukolo had a junior background in Australian Rules football before shifting across the Tasman four years ago and coach Bond Tagaloa describes his play as "quite brilliant", both in running and kicking.
He played two games for the De La Salle first XV as a Year 12, but has really stepped up this season and has so far controlled matches really well from his favoured first-five position, though can also play fullback, depending on the team's strategy on the day.
The rangy Ieremia, formerly a lock, is recognised as perhaps the team's fittest and fastest player, often putting his backs to shame.
But coach Bond Tagaloa says one of Ieremia's less obvious qualities is his intense quest for improvement.
"He is like a sponge in soaking up rugby knowledge, and always asking what can be done differently, what can be done better?"
Meanwhile skipper Valentino, in his third season in the team, has a strong carrying game, and the respect of his peers, with his leadership touted as one of the team's greatest assets.
When he is not playing as hooker (or flanker) Taito is deputy head boy, an "excellence endorsement" student, and a member of the college's Health Science Academy.
As skipper, Taito downplayed any suggestion of Catholic rugby rivalry with Sacred Heart.
"It's more mutual respect than rivalry," he said. "There will just be two teams going hard at it."
Perhaps the other notable thing about De La Salle is that they are one of the few top schools where the coach isn't on the payroll.
Tagaloa actually teaches at nearby Viscount Primary School and coaches as a volunteer, though it remains to be seen how sustainable that amateur ethos will be long-term.
However Tagaloa is very proud of the De La Salle team culture.
"It's not just about rugby, it is about life skills, and the boys here all have their own story to tell," he said. "When one succeeds, we all succeed."
Only students doing well in all aspects of educational life are eligible for the first XV at De la Salle.
As for Sacred Heart, they appear to be improving every week, while their backline has impressed all season.
Their 53-3 victory over Tangaroa College last weekend included some stunning tries though they had a rocky start when one of their forwards was sin-binned after two minutes, with a penalty then giving Tangaroa a short-lived 3-0 lead.
The two bonus points Sacred Heart have so far picked up against lower-ranked opponents could be very important with their tougher run-in the later part of the season.
# Leaders St Peter's are the only 1A team with a perfect record of four wins after a 33-10 victory over Liston College.
But they will be taking nothing for granted in their home game against struggling Aorere College.
This will be their third match in 7 days, with a tough midweek away match against Christchurch's St Bede's College (St Peter's suffered their first loss of the season, going down 12-20) and a rash of injuries within the squad.
And their win over Liston was not as comfortable as it looked on paper. Liston were very well organised and took the game to St Peter's, who only led 14-10 at half time.
"It was not an easy game," admitted St Peters coach Dave Thomas. "We are still in the first half of the season and the lesson of that game was anyone can be put under pressure."
Best for St Peters were captain and tighhead prop Kurene Luamanuvae, fullback Jago Birley and year 11 Japanese first five Louie Kishimoto. Tries were scored by Birley, Luamanuvae, Justin Malifa, Uaine Vatikani and Andrew Nansen.
Elsewhere King's College registered their second draw of the season in finishing 20-20 with St Kentigern, defending champs Kelston beat Dilworth 31-8, while Auckland Grammar defeated Aorere College 52-0.
Saturday draw (all 2.30pm, home team first): Dilworth v St Kentigern, Kelston v Tangaroa, Sacred Heart v De La Salle, Liston v Mt Albert Grammar, King's College v Auckland Grammar, St Peter's v Aorere (This game is also for the Geoff Moon Cup).
Points: St Peter's 18, Sacred Heart 16, Mt Albert Grammar 14, De La Salle 13, Kelston 13, Dilworth 11, King's 9, St Kentigern 9, Auckland Grammar 9, Tangaroa 4, Aorere 0, Liston 0.
