Monday 19 May 2025
First XV 31 vs 17 St Paul's College
The First XV produced a thrilling second-half comeback to defeat St Paul’s College 31-17 in their 1A fixture over the weekend, extending their unbeaten run to three wins from three. The contest, played at a high intensity throughout, saw King’s overcome a 10-7 halftime deficit with a composed and clinical performance in the final 30 minutes.
St Paul’s came out firing, capitalising on early momentum to take a 10-nil lead by the 30-minute mark. Their strong defensive structure and pressure forced multiple handling and discipline errors from King’s, making it difficult for them to gain any fluency. Just before the break, King’s had a crucial breakthrough as Hemana Connew (Year 13, St John's) crossed the line, with the try converted to narrow the margin to 10-7 at halftime.
The second half began with more pressure from St Paul’s, who extended their lead to 17-7 within the opening 10 minutes. However, this seemed to ignite a spark within the King’s side. Building phases patiently and showing improved structure and discipline, King’s began to assert themselves. Johan Schaumkell’s (Year 13, School) converted try in the 45th minute brought the game level, and ten minutes later, Sione Manuopangai (Year 13, Peart) powered over the line to give King’s their first lead of the match at 21-17.
With momentum now firmly in their favour, King’s added a penalty to extend the margin to seven points. As St Paul’s pushed to respond, King’s defence held strong and in the final minutes, they delivered the finishing blow. Calvin Harris Tavita (Year 12, Parnell) stormed through for a converted try, sealing an impressive turnaround and a 31-17 victory. A telling factor was the 100% goalkicking from Marco Miln (Year 13, Selwyn) as it kept stretching the scoreboard beyond St Paul’s when King’s did score tries.
The final score reflected the character and resolve shown by the King’s team, particularly in the second half. St Paul’s were worthy opponents, demonstrating grit, tactical discipline, and great counter-attack throughout the match. However, the composure and structure King’s displayed under pressure ultimately proved the difference.
King’s will take great confidence from this performance, especially given the adversity faced in the first half. With their unbeaten record intact, they continue to build momentum in what is shaping up to be an exciting 1A campaign.
Congratulations go to Johan Schaumkell for playing his 40th First XV game.
Their attention now turns to next Saturday as they face Dilworth School at home at 2.30pm.
Tries: Hemana Connew, Johan Schaumkell, Sione Manuopangai, Calvin Harris Tavita
Conversions/penalties: Marco Miln (5/5)
Second XV 64 vs 0 Wesley College
King’s 2A travelled to Paerata this week to face Wesley College in a dominant display of free-running rugby. Despite missing several players due to illness and injury, reducing the bench to just five, the team delivered a satisfactory performance. King’s controlled much of the first half, though a few promising opportunities were lost to over-eager play. Nonetheless, the defensive effort was outstanding, keeping Wesley scoreless throughout the match.
Koby Schaumkell (Year 12, Selwyn) debuted with a full shift on the flank, while standout performances came from Ben Galloway (Year 12, Selwyn), Bassy Tupou (Year 12, Selwyn), Max Gilbert (Year 12, Selwyn), Sam Gapes (Year 12, Selwyn), Keneti Fanuatanu (Year 13, St John's), and Taani Mafileo (Year 13, St John's).
Johnny Wilson (Year 13, Parnell) led the scoring with a well-earned hat-trick, while James Shaw (Year 12, School) and Leo Kirkland (Year 12, Selwyn) each added two tries. Further tries came from Noah Moss (Year 11, Parnell), Finn Thompson (Year 11, School) and Felix Spary (Year 12, Selwyn). Kicking duties were shared by Felix Spary, slotting six conversions, and Matt Cunningham (Year 12, Greenbank) adding another.
Tries: Johnny Wilson (3), James Shaw (2), Leo Kirkland (2), Noah Moss, Finn Thompson.
Conversions: Felix Spary (6), Matt Cunningham.
Colts 57 vs 5 One Tree Hill College
Another fine morning set the stage for our second of three friendly matches before our first competitive game of the season. Having played One Tree Hill with a mix-and-match team earlier in the year, we expected a physical battle with huge pressure in the collision.
We controlled large stretches of possession and territory, scoring three tries early with plenty of missed opportunities. One Tree Hill brought the predicted physicality, but we managed it well, forcing turnovers and showing good defensive discipline.
Josh Leighton (Year 11, School) opened the scoring at halfback. Josh Want (Year 12, Major) led by example with an incredible four tries, while fellow lock and captain Sam Coulter (Year 12, School) also scored. Hippolyte Carnot (Year 11, School) was unstoppable from the base of a 5m scrum.
In the second half, our fitness and structure allowed us to break away. Fizunny Vakautakakala (Year 12, St John's) scored a brilliant try off the bench. Toby Willis (Year 11, Selwyn) also stood out, scoring a try and converting two. Cale Ngatai (Year 11, Parnell) converted four tries in the second half.
Tries: Josh Want (4), Josh Leighton, Hippolyte Carnot, Fizunny Vakautakakala, Sam Coulter, Toby Willis.
Conversions: Cale Ngatai (4), Toby Willis (2).
1R Maroon 43 vs 12 St Peter's College
We travelled to Cox's Bay Reserve in Ponsonby to play our match against St. Peter's College (SPC).
Unfortunately, we were hit hard this week due to injuries and illness. We played the game with only 19 players, meaning several players had to play out of position to cover the absentees. We only had two genuine front-row forwards, so loose forward – Carter Stewart (Year 12, School) agreed to play in the front row, but we had uncontested scrums for obvious safety reasons.
We asked the boys to work hard on defence and to have patience and hold onto the ball when we had the ball. The boys climbed into their work and when the whistle for halftime blew, we had scored three unanswered tries - one to Denver Olde (Year 13, School) and two to Malcom Barrow (Year 12, School) with one conversion to Daniel Chitty (Year 13, School), to lead 17-nil. Our defence was particularly pleasing and we shunned SPC repeatedly when they threatened our try line.
We brought on the four fresh reserves at halftime and asked the boys to continue focusing on working hard on defence in the second half. We added four well-constructed tries to Charlie Robertson (Year 12, School), Nico Eady (Year 13, Marsden), Fraser Brown (Year 13, Peart) and Ryan Rickit (Year 13, School), with three conversions to Nico Eady. The opposition scored two tries and the final score was a very pleasing 43-12. This was a particularly positive result given that six of our squad were absent. Hopefully, we will be able to field a full and healthy squad next week.
Next weekend we travel to Mount Albert Grammar School to play our final non-competition match.
Tries: Denver Olde, Malcom Burrow (2), Charlie Robertson, Nico Eady, Fraser Brown, Ryan Rickit.
Conversions: Nico Eady (3), Dan Chitty.
1R Gold 10 vs 19 Selwyn College
Despite a disrupted build-up and limited numbers at training, 1R Gold showed grit and determination in a tough encounter against a physical Selwyn side. With only six players at Monday's training and ten by Wednesday, assembling a full squad looked unlikely. However, after a late rally of commitment, 19 players took the field. Selwyn came out strong, led by a sharp first five and powerful no. 8. But it was 1R Gold who struck first, with hooker Harry Rutherford (Year 12, School) crashing over after some well-constructed phases. Selwyn responded with two tries to take a 12–5 lead into halftime.
Given the disrupted preparation, 1R Gold's effort was commendable. Strong carries from Jonty Le Roux (Year 11, Greenbank) and James Peacocke (Year 11, Selwyn), along with fierce tackling from Finlay Crawford (Year 11, Peart), kept the team in the contest. Rutherford added a second try late, capping off a standout performance.
While Selwyn took the win, 1R Gold showed resilience and promise. With more cohesion and preparation, this team is set to improve.
Tries: Harry Rutherford (2).
5A 10 vs 19 Saint Kentigern College
This was the reverse of the fixture a fortnight ago. King’s were played off the park in the first 20 minutes. There were a lot of positional changes due to unavailability, but King’s seemed unable to put into practice what we had been doing at training. The only similarity was a brilliant solo try from Karter Harris (Year 10, Peart). He collected the ball just outside his own 22 and beat five or six players to score a brilliant individual try. St Kent's were a well-drilled team, and they scored three good team tries in the first half.
Half-Time: King’s 5 - 19 St Kent's
The second half did not start much better and King’s were fortunate not to concede more tries when Grand Canyon-esque gaps opened in the backline. Fortunately, St Kent's failed to capitalise. There were good individual moments from Zavier Linstrom (Year 12, Greenbank), who had a couple of great runs and won two excellent turnovers. Harvey Kitt-Reeve (Year 11, St John's) had a searing burst and was only inches from the line and Toby Richardson (Year 12, St John's) made some excellent tackles. Archie McInnes (Year 12, St John's) and Harry Lyus (Year 11, School) also had some good runs. The team was awarded a well-worked try in the final minutes when consistent ball and a structured pattern led to a try by Toby Richardson.
King’s won the second half 5-nil and the encouraging aspect came from home supporters who noted that the team was further forward than at this stage last year.
Tries: Karter Harris, Toby Richardson.
6A 32 vs 20 Botany Downs Secondary School
During the warm-up, the boys really connected and that showed out with some good running rugby and some strong work by our forwards to set the platform so our backs could spread the ball wide. The team's focus words for this game were "Patience and Communication." As a coach, it was very pleasing to see the effort and commitment of the team to play well and as a team. Botany Downs has some good backs and in the second half, they used their running ability to break our line a number of times out wide.
At 20-all, the boys started to doubt their ability and become impatient with the ball. Some quiet words to calm down and determination from the leaders in our team under the posts sparked focus and the fire in their eyes to not let this game get away. Our players showed each other in that last 15 minutes that if we believe in ourselves and stay positive as a team, we can play a brand of rugby that would take us down the field, building momentum and scoring, which is what we did, coming away with the win.
Our forwards did a fantastic job, with a highlight for me being the lineouts and seeing the ball being passed the length of the field several times, as our goal this season is to get it out to our wingers. Special mention must go to Taylor Kijowski (Year 10, School), who scored four tries.
This was my first match as head coach, so I was excited and proud of the team's effort. Felix, our other coach, also did a great job with the backs, and his ability to recognise spaces and communicate with the backs was awesome on Saturday.
Tries: Taylor Kijowski (4).
Joel Wiggans - Head Coach
U15A 54 vs 5 Rosehill College
With the passing of Jeff Samasoni during the week, the father of one of our players, the team was determined to honour him and his whānau.
Moe mai rā e te rangatira.
This, combined with the energy our returning camp boys brought, meant the King’s team would be formidable to an unknown quantity in Rosehill College. King’s were successful, winning 54-5.
The coaching staff have been working hard on the team to see opportunities and then execute them to take full advantage and score when presented with them. The first one came within one minute of kick-off with a well-worked team try to Mathias Petelo (Year 10, Marsden).
Then, a mere four minutes later, following structured team phase play, Manaariki Kea Cameron (Year 10, Selwyn) launched a beautiful cut out pass which sent Ruan Tahi (Year 10, St John's) on a darting run and he scored in the left-hand corner.
In all, through good finishing, five tries were scored in the first half and Ben Leith (Year 11, St John's) scored two of those. Five tries and two conversions were scored in the second half. Petelo was rewarded with three tries to his name through excellent support play.
The King’s forward pack will need to improve their lineouts and scrummaging if the team remains a force in this year's Under 15's competition.
Tries: Mathias Petelo (3), Ruan Tahi (2), Ben Leith (2), Jonny Ford (Year 10, Selwyn), Donnell Collins (Year 10, Averill), Robert Tahi
Conversions: Manaaki Kea-Cameron (2)
U15R 27 vs 12 Sacred Heart College
The U15R team faced a strong Sacred Heart side in a thrilling contest that began with early pressure from the visitors, who opened the scoring in the 4th minute. Unfazed, King's responded with determination, and Jack Rutherford (Year 9, School) powered over in the 16th minute to level the score. The first half was closely contested, with strong attacking runs from Daniel Zhu (Year 9, Selwyn) and Hugo Neville-White (Year 9, Averill) keeping Sacred Heart on the back foot, and the teams went into the break locked at 5-all.
The second half saw a shift in momentum as King's exploded into action. Daniel Zhu broke the deadlock with back-to-back tries, and Harry Thomson (Year 9, Marsden) converted the second confidently. With momentum on their side, King's extended their lead with well-deserved tries from James Auva'a (Year 9, Peart) and Tommo Edgar (Year 9, School), showcasing the team's depth and attacking flair.
Although Sacred Heart managed a late converted try, it was too little, too late. King's had already sealed the match with a commanding performance, finishing 27-12 victors.
We look forward to our game at Howick College next week and hope to see you there.
U14A 10 vs 50 Westlake Boys' High School
The King's U14As watched the Westlake team play the game we had trained for, as they explored some brittle defence and exploited the space out wide. King's lost too much possession at ruck time and only occasionally attacked with confidence and flair. When we exerted pressure, it was rendered two tries.
The final score was 10-50 to Westlake, with Paxton Maifeleni (Year 9, Greenbank) and Daniel Parker (Year 9, Parnell) scoring a try each. Manase Schaafhausen (Year 9, Parnell), Roman Hanif (Year 9, Parnell) and Kalani Finau (Year 9, Greenbank) ran good lines and tackled hard, while Daniel Parker looked to command the set piece play well.
Tries: Paxton Maifeleni, Daniel Parker