“All of us work hard for each other, our families and our crest.”
GBHS head coach Tapsell said: “We've worked very hard this week, continue to grow as a team and expect a tough battle against Hastings. We have a game-plan our boys trust and I'm also expecting a huge game from Khian and Sione.”
Gisborne have made four changes to the line-up that played Rotorua: Mafileo is in for Kitini Taihuka, Nathaniel Hauiti switching to loosehead prop; Tyla Keelan-Phillips joins the reserves with Nik Patumaka's move from No.8 to lock to accommodate Westrupp, and wingers Isaiah Lemaua and Bryan Howard will wear 21 and 22 respectively for Corbyn Peach and Whetu King-Taufa.
The Tafi Ioasa-coached Hastings, who lost 25-8 to Palmerston North at the Big Side a fortnight ago and the Moascar Cup 15-10 to Napier last Saturday, are led by 16-year-old second-year man and first-year No.8 Cooper Flanders, who has tangled with GBHS as a halfback at u14 level, second-five in the u15s and left wing for the Hastings second 15.
Flanders knows better than to expect a 38-7 romp — such as Akina enjoyed last year — at the Rectory tomorrow: “When we face Gizzy, it's always very physical but our boys are looking forward to it. We expect Gisborne to be strong.”
Gisborne proved against Rotorua that they have a power-game as well as dangerous linkage: halfback Kirk Ngatai's clearance to first-five Nic Proffit in the lead-up to Roddick's first-half try was a beauty, and Proffit's quickness and sense of timing make him dangerous.
King-Taufa is more than a one-on-one match for most — he can break tackles and create space. Gisborne were more than tidy up front against Raukura, and — in their first and only appearance at the Rectory to date this season, the 21-10 loss to Auckland 1A side St Peter's College on July 18 — pushed the Boris Srhoj Cup-holders hard in trying conditions.
Both the GBHS second 15 and under 15s will also be looking for their first Super 8 win of the season this Saturday.
Talented GBHS second 15 captain and second-five Xavier Henare-Brown and company will have to contend, though, with 125-kilogram Akina No.8 John Palu.
GBHS u15s skipper and openside flanker Braith Ingram — son of legendary GBHS first 15 halfback “Cowboy” Brent Ingram — knows that elements of the 2019 u15 national champion Hastings team remain. Ingram junior is a most promising player, however, and he is unfazed.
All of tomorrow's participants hope that as much rugby as can be played, will be played, tomorrow. Referees Isaac Hughes, Les Thomas and Miah Nikora allow good advantage, set an excellent tone with school teams and cannot be distracted even by what traditionally are big, vocal Rectory crowds.
The playing surfaces at the Rectory are firm and in good condition, although tomorrow's weather forecast includes showers.
Hastings won the last first 15 match played here 24-13 in 2018, having handed GBHS their toughest ever loss — 68-0 — at Akina the year before, courtesy of their first Top Four-winning team.
Gisborne last beat Hastings in 2011 — 21-11 — at the Rectory: GBHS under Tom Cairns won all seven Super 8 games and their first and only Super 8 title to date that year, one in which Akina were winless and placed eighth during their six-year record run of 42 consecutive losses.
Gisborne will host New Plymouth here next week before travelling to Palmerston North. They will then be at home to Tauranga on August 29, with Gisborne Boys' High School's last round-robin game in Super 8 play against last year's champions, Hamilton, at HBHS on September 5.
GBHS first 15, 1-22: Nathaniel Hauiti, Matariki Kaa, Sione Mafileo, Dylan Bronlund, Nik Patumaka, Sam Twigley, Amos Roddick (c), Khian Westrupp, Kirk Ngatai, Nic Proffit, Corbyn Peach, Tuteari Te Rauna-Lamont, Von Huata, Whetu King-Taufa, King Maxwell. Reserves: Kitini Taihuka, Max Briant, Tyla Keelan-Phillips, Henare Lardelli-Clarke, Kyran Russell, Bryan Howard, Isaiah Lemaua.
GBHS 2nd 15, 1-22: Moeaki Mosati, Henare Lardelli-Clarke, Zeke Collier, Uetaha Wanoa, Matiu Anderson, Ben Phelps, Saylahr Paaka, Sitiveni Tuilautala, Israel Fox, Bryan Howard, Siope Fakahokotau, Xavier Henare-Brown (c), Adrian Wharehinga-McDonald, Mikaere Marino-Moore, Taimana Teneti. R: Drake Wanoa, Rewiti Ropiha, Haeora King, Hayze Nepia, Jacob Storey, Poumanu Reeves, Whakaruru Waitai-Te Kurupa.
GBHS u15s, 1-22: Levi Cameron, Ratu Nairoroi, Jahn Niwa-Karakia, Joe Kemp, Latrell Walker, Noah Torrance-Cribb, Braith Ingram (c), Reuben Whatiri, Chris Tangira, Gibson Poi, Luka Russell, Lehi Te Hau, Trey Bryant, Kallen Edwards, Cohen Loffler. R: Jimmy Moore, Simon Hauiti, Dass Latu, Te Aho Maero Maxwell-Dewes, Brayden Maxwell, Kauri Christie, Te Aowera Para.
Hastings BHS 1st 15, 1-22: Aone Lolofie, Manahi Goulton, Mosese Fineanganofo, Kaihu Pasikala, Josh Beehre, Donovan Godinet, Josh Leach, Cooper Flanders (c), Piripi Panapa-King, Hoera Stephenson, Mefi Tupo, Adam Bibby, Andrew Heyward, Elijah Maitara, Elidius Oli. R: Vikta Tevita, Tini Nuu, Fraser Heperi, Ned Saifiti, Jacob Dorwood, Troyden Bird, Jehmial Ross.
HBHS 2nd 15, 1-22: Avian Riha, Sam Joe, Naverone Te Rini, Taylor Rigby, Luke Ngwai, TJ Vekene, Ned Safiti, John Palu, Bryson Pakoti-Crawford, Koby Deacon, Alex Dickey, Troyden Bird, Tomasi Naicegulevu, Sekope Nalovo, Liam Anderson (c). R: Ethan Miller, Oliver Ritchie, Fletcher Bainbridge, Caleb Johnson, Bryson Ioane, Xavier Broughman, Hunter Yarrell.
HBHS u15s, 1-20: Maiti Leef, Izaiah Craig, Malachi Kireka-Keef, Josh Houlton, Taufa Kaufonga, Oscar Ritchie, Mania Hauiti, D'Angelo Etika, Iziah Tulia, Mokau Lambert, Daniel Foniti, Tali Ioasa (c), Riley Dennison, PJ Penefu, Kyan Lowe, Membrenz Tahu. R: Timoti Heke, Tiaki Flutey, Reef Luxford, Rudy Ioasa, Preston Whatarau.
