A message from the Head of Rugby
Dear King’s College rugby community,
I would like to take the opportunity to introduce myself to you as the newly appointed Head of Rugby at King’s College. Saturday was my first ‘game day’ and I was delighted to be so warmly welcomed by so many parents and families on the side-lines whilst the games were taking place. Sorry I could not get to meet everyone, but I hope over the coming weeks I will get the chance to meet as many of you as possible whilst we cheer on the boys.
I am truly honoured to be appointed to such a prestigious and important role within the school's community. Rugby plays such a significant role in the daily life of our students and families and one of my aims is to ensure that the rugby experience is an enjoyable one for all. Whilst I am still settling in to the role, I would welcome any feedback (both positive and constructive) on rugby at King’s to help us make our environment the best it possible can be.
I have come from a performance coaching background in my previous roles and I am looking forward to working with King’s players across all the grades in helping them enjoy, learn and develop their rugby skills and knowledge. I will be working closely with our coaches to help construct a player pathway and rugby curriculum in order for us to have sustained success at all levels. This will take time and a lot of hard work, but I am extremely excited about the challenge ahead and look forward to your support in doing so.
My contact email is below so please feel free to contact me on any matter related to rugby, or feel free to take the opportunity to grab me at the side of the pitch on game day.
Warm regards,
David Ross
Head of Rugby
Results
First XV
Mount Albert Grammar
19 - 6
Win
On Saturday the King’s College First XV played its first home game of the competition and the opposition was the formidable Mount Albert Grammar School. It was only several years ago that Mount Albert Grammar was both the Auckland and national champions, and wins against them in recent years have been few and far between. The last time we beat them was in 2014 so we knew we had to be well-prepared for the challenge that they would bring. Given their results from the first two rounds - home losses to Saint Kentigern College and De La Salle College, we knew that their backs were now against the wall and that they would be motivated to save their season with a win here at King’s.
Our preparation throughout the week was based on moving the ball wide and moving their big pack around the field. Unfortunately, just before kick off the rain came down and fell intermittently throughout the match. This stifled our game plan and helped their cause with their big pack really taking it to us in the tight. Our defence however, was outstanding and we shunned everything that they attempted. From one attack into our 22m we were penalized, and their kicker landed the penalty from in front of the posts for a 3 – 0 lead. Not long after, from a lineout, the ball was moved to our captain and number 8 Millenium Sanerivi who took the ball to the defensive line. Millenium timed his pass perfectly to Lukas Halls who ran between their two centers and found fullback Aidan Morgan outside him, who drew the last defender and passed to young Year 11 winger Luron Iosefa who finished off a brilliant set piece move to take the lead 5 – 0. Mount Albert Grammar returned inside our 22m and once again, someone infringed at a ruck and their kicker was successful with his second penalty kick to give them a 6 – 5 lead. Just before the break, King’s put multiple phases together and showed patience and control when lock James Brown scored his first try in King’s colours. The was converted to give King's the lead at half time, 12 – 6.
In the second half our superior fitness became evident and we completely controlled possession and territory. We created many scoring opportunities, however, we lacked discipline and were penalised multiple times by the referee. This allowed Mount Albert Grammar to relieve pressure and get out of their own half, where we spent the majority of the second stanza.
From one of the many opportunities created, right winger Temple Kalepo scored out wide and Aidan Morgan kicked a beautiful conversion to give us a healthy 19 – 6 lead. The focus now shifted towards scoring a fourth try and the very important bonus point. Alas, despite our best intentions, and a rock-solid defence, we were unable to finish off the opportunities that came our way and the score line remained the same when the final whistle blew. Whilst absolutely delighted to achieve a convincing win, there was also disappointment and regrets about not being able to score the fourth, bonus point try. The task gets even bigger this week as we prepare to travel across to Sacred Heart College next Saturday - another team that we have not beaten many times in recent years. This game, like our match against Auckland Grammar School in four weeks’ time, is televised live on Sky Sport.
Second XV
Mount Albert Grammar
10 - 3
Win
Tries: Taylor Norwood, Sean Roberton
King's College Second XV grounded out a tough 10 - 3 win over a very good Mount Albert Grammar side. Two good tries in the first half and brilliant defence in the second half was the difference.
Colts
Southern Cross Campus
Win by default
Under 15s
Aorere College
24 - 3
Win
On Saturday the Under 15s played against Aorere College. This was another non-competition game so the team were able to continue to rotate through squad players as they look to fine tune their structures and playing patterns. Under the guidance of coach Pita Alatini the team is starting to show real signs of development and progress. Despite their relatively small stature the forward pack is working hard and providing some good set piece ball for the backs to work from. Bradley Fifita and Senio Pulega were real stand outs at the weekend with their aggressive tackling and straight ball carries. Seb MacDonald and Stacey Numunga are also starting to really find their feet at this level.
In the backs, Jamie Cooper at half back is giving good service to Budda Doyle at 10. When they get front foot ball the backline looks very threatening with Xavi Taele and Francis Manuleleua both having very strong games again this week.
This weekend will be a good test for this team as they take on Mount Albert Grammar School in another non-competition game.
4th Grade
Auckland Grammar School
7 - 29
Loss
4B had a very good first half and were able to produce good phase play with the half time score 7 - 10 to Auckland Grammar School. However, we lost our way in the second half and were comfortably beaten.
5A
BYE
6A
Saint Kentigern College
13 - 5
Win
6A put in a strong performance against Saint Kentigern College on Saturday, beating the team 13-5.
Starting with an early try, high possession from Saint Kentigern for most of the game meant our defence was tested, but stalwart tackling and good organisation denied any strong comeback.
Good performances came from across the team, which is promising for the remainder of the season, but still lots to work on.
6B
Rosehill College
43 - 14
Win
In good rugby conditions King’s 6B played Rosehill College. King’s was on the scoreboard early with a converted try by Luca Seerden. To this, Rosehill College responded with a converted try. King’s scored again on half time with a solo effort by Harry Perritt and went into the second half 14 – 12.
King’s heavier forward pack dominated in the second half, linking well with the backs which enabled the team to run away with the game, winning 43-14. Second half tries go to Harry Grieve (2) Finn Hoskins-Hill (2) and Luca Seerden. Congratulations to winger Campbell Griffin who played his first game of rugby and managed a great run down the touch line.
7A
Mahurangi College
17 - 24
Loss
Playing directly into a howling wind in the first half, King’s played an intelligent yet expansive game. Keeping the ball in hand, the team were rewarded in the sixth minute with a well worked try to centre Myka Newman. Given the wind and the position 10-metres in from the touchline, Myka was unable to convert his own try.
Unfortunately, Myka Newman injured his knee a few minutes later and spent the rest of the match viewing the proceedings from the side line.
Despite the wind, the King’s forward pack were having the best of the upfront battle and it wasn’t until the 21st minute that a ball kicked through from just over half way bounced away from a hard-chasing Freddie Forsythe and pop up favourable for Mahurangi’s second-fifth who was able to dot it down under the posts. The referee called the teams back for what he had perceived was a knock on by the chasing Mahurangi player but in a very commendable show of sportsmanship, the King’s team convinced the referee that the try had been fairly scored and asked him to change his ruling and awarded Mahurangi College the try. The easy conversion took the score to 5 – 7.
After figuring out how to play with the wind, Mahurangi College started using the high kick and, despite a rigorous King’s defence, were able to add to their total with a second unconverted try just three minutes before the half end, giving them a half time lead of 5 – 17.
Playing with the wind, the King’ team again took the play to Mahurangi with the forward pack leading the charge. Ten minutes into the half, Jack Elliott, who had an outstanding game at halfback, was able to step his way through a number of opposition players to dot down ten metres to the left of the uprights. Jack McKay, who again had a good game, stepped in for the injured Myka Newman and was able to convert, closing the score line up to 12 - 17.
The game continued to be a hard-fought affair and 15-minutes into the half King’s lost Henry Kaye to a suspected concussion, leaving them with just 15 players to see out the match.
The front row of Tani Henwood, Timothy Stewart and Felix Moran, and the pick and go duo of William Olde and Freddie Forsythe, (who were well supported by Charlie McKay and Charlie Webb), had the best of the Mahurangi forward pack and were duly rewarded when Freddie Forsythe tied up the match following another fantastic solo run. Unconverted, the game was tied at 17 all.
Both sides threw everything into the final 10 minutes. With three minutes to go and against the run of play, King’s found themselves defending but won their lineout on their 22-metre mark. King’s kick for territory was unfortunately charged down and the charging player was able to gather the ball and score right under the posts. With the converted try, Mahurangi College lead 17 -24 and despite a valiant effort by King’s over the last few minutes the referee’s whistle ended what had been a very competitive match in Mahurangi’s favour.
