HBHS effort makes a third title possible

Hamilton Boys' High School have a chance to make it three consecutive titles after scraping through to rugby's national schools 1st XV semifinals.

A gutsy win over Wesley College last weekend saw HBHS advance to the top four playoffs at Rotorua Boys' High School as the Chiefs' qualifier.

They will meet Hurricanes' representative Gisborne Boys' High School on Friday afternoon as they look to book their place in Sunday's final against the winner of Mt Albert Grammar versus St Bede's College.

HBHS overcame Wesley 27-12 last Saturday in the final match of a three-team round robin with Rotorua Boys' High.

They either needed to beat Wesley with a four-try bonus point, win but concede a four-try bonus point, or win by five, six or seven points to advance to the playoffs.

So there was a vast range of scenarios for coach Nigel Hotham to consider ahead of the game, which he admitted was an added complication, but he felt the best way to go about things was to be positive and look to score four tries.

After an even opening, HBHS managed three quick tries to put them in a dominant position. Blindside flanker Bruce Jones crossed for the side's first five-pointer from a lineout drive before right winger Isaako Peato-Lister and second five-eighth Josh Fa'agalu both finished off sweeping movements.

Josh Smith added two conversions to give HBHS a 19-5 lead at halftime.

With one more try needed, there was deliberation as to whether they took a shot at goal from a penalty three minutes into the second spell, but they elected for the posts and went ahead 22-5.

The game entered its final 10 minutes with the score unchanged, but after being camped in Wesley's 22 for a long period, the rewards finally came through a drive over the line by replacement hooker Hayden Wisnewski.

Hotham has been coaching at the school for eight seasons and said it was one of the "bravest" performances he'd seen by a HBHS side.

"I think it was just an amazing desire by our boys not to let that game be the last game of the season," Hotham said. "Playing on our home field was a big plus, in front of a great crowd.

"Wesley hasn't beaten us for a few years now but our games have always been close.

"So the thought of having to score four tries, especially with the weather the way it was, it seemed like quite a thing to aim for."

Hotham praised captain and lock Nick Ross, along with other senior players, for leading the team well.

"Our big game players, they stepped up.

"They have steady heads and don't get overawed by the situation."

HBHS came out of the match with no injury concerns and although they beat Gisborne 20-10 a few weeks ago Hotham was wary of the threat they would pose in two days' time.

"They're a very dangerous team, more so on a dry track.

"They've got some very talented backs."

But he felt his side had a decent shot at winning two games in three days and again being national champions.

"There's a lot of factors that come into play with regard to injuries ... and just how tired you are after a long season. I think we've got as good a chance as anyone."

- © Fairfax NZ News