Rugby: HBHS unbeaten despite language problems at Japanese tournament in Fukuoka

HBHS captain Liam Udy-Johns struggled to understand the Japanese referee last night. Photo / File

Adjusting to the interpretations of foreign referees continues to be a challenge for Hastings Boys' High School at the Sanix World Rugby Youth Invitational Tournament in Japan.

"We had a Japanese referee today. He couldn't understand Liam when he asked what our boys had to do to adjust and Liam couldn't understand him," HBHS manager Jason Bird said after his troops completed an unbeaten run in pool play with a 45-14 win against Jianguo High School from Chinese Taipei last night.

He was referring to captain Liam Udy-Johns.

"We've got an interpreter but we can't run him onto the field. This is an issue for all English-speaking nations here," Bird said.

New Zealand's sole representatives at the 16-team event in Fukuoka which caters for the best 1st XVs in the world, HBHS led 33-7 at halftime after a superb start in which they scored three converted tries during the first 15 minutes. Bird said the Kiwis didn't have the same intensity in the second half after the subs bench was emptied early. While the subs added impact there wasn't the same flow.

Winger Michael Naitokani and loosie Ngiyaani Walters both scored two tries. Loosie Udy-Johns, winger Joeli Rauca and halfback Latrell Ah Kiong all scored one try and first five-eighth Arana Murphy kicked five conversions. Rauca was always a threat out wide.

Ah Kiong produced a display his grandfather, former Magpies midfield back Wini Smiler, would have been proud of and second five-eighth Andrew Hayward was again a rock on defence and he carried with authority. Hooker Damarus Hokianga-Heather again had a massive workrate at the coalface in a match which was played in hot conditions.

HBHS will take on Toin from Japan in today's quarter-finals.

"Toin only had one loss in pool play and will be tough. All games from now will be tough. It's important our boys drink as much water as they can to avoid some dehydration issues some are experiencing," Bird said.

"However, there are no major injuries and everyone is available for selection for the quarter-final which is a good sign," Bird added.