Loosehead prop Kitini Taihuka scored a hat-trick of tries and fullback-cum-halfback Braedyn Grant scored twice, while left-wing TK Reihana and reserve centre Whetu King-Taufa also scored. First five-eighth Anaru Paenga-Morgan kicked six conversions.
Powerhouse No.8 Nikau Maxwell won Gisborne’s MVP (most valuable player) award with a tremendous effort, although Grant and Taihuka were also excellent value.
For Wellington College, blindside flanker Will Hausmann, right wing Josh Williams, reserve tighthead prop and MVP Toby Cook and first-five Jacob Waikari-Jones scored tries. Waikari-Jones kicked two conversions.
“There is nowhere to hide at this level,” Jefferson said.
“We played well and are learning all the time.”
Gisborne Boys’ High face St Patrick’s College Silverstream as the 12.30pm showpiece on Rectory No.1 on Saturday.
“Stream will be tough,” Jefferson said.
“They will be very organised and well-drilled. It’s a great opportunity for the locals to get out and support the games at the Rectory.”
Last Thursday, centre and skipper-to-be Niko Lauti joined regular captain and loosehead prop Jordan McFarlane on the injury list.
Boys’ High had to dig deeper still when Manawatu referee Ben Koch gave halfback Nic Proffit a yellow card in the second half. Gisborne — who had led 19-14 at the break — then raised the tempo. Grant moved to halfback. Gisborne scored two tries with only 14 players on the field.
Blindside flanker and game-day captain Khian Westrupp said the younger boys “stood up for the older guys who couldn’t play”.
Wellington College hooker and captain Ridge Studd kept events in perspective.
“It’s pre-season rugby — plenty to work on,” he said.
“Gisborne are a good side who play physical rugby and get the ball to the edge.”
Lincoln Rawles, College’s long-serving coach, was pleased with the play of fullback Kalin Leota — among others — while acknowledging quality opposition.
“Kalin defended well and made a couple of good line-breaks that led to tries.
“But in warm conditions, Gisborne made the most of the quick ball they generated on attack. They sustained pressure throughout the game and finished strongly.”
