Rugby: Whangarei to be put to test

Taniwha halfback Sam Nock says St Kents have a big physical pack this year and have speed all round the park. Photo / Saint Kentigern College

Whangarei Boys' High School's 1st XV have a tough challenge ahead of them, says former Saint Kentigern College and New Zealand Secondary School's halfback Sam Nock.

The Whangarei side will host Saint Kentigern College's 1st XV and under-15s team today in a pre-season double header.

Nock, a Kerikeri lad who played for the world-beating Saint Kentigern's 1st XV team for three years, says the visiting side will bring plenty of fresh talent.

In his time with the school, Nock was part of the Saint Kent's 1st XV side which won the Auckland 1A competition title as well as the Sanix World Rugby Youth Tournament in 2013.

"They've got speed all around the park," he says of his former team.

"I'd be looking forward to watching their explosive backs and big forwards. They've got a big, physical pack this year."

Whangarei Boys' High School's 1st XV coach, Mark Kapa, says he is looking forward to matching his side up against one of the best team's around.

"We want to see where we're placed against the Auckland teams," he says.

"We scored 26 points in last year's match so it'll be good to test the boys and see how our three Blues development players (Caleb Aekins, Jayde Kapa and Mitchell Reader) go as well."

Nock says today's game will provide "a good opportunity," for Boys' High to try things out.

Other Northland players to feature in the visiting Saint Kent's squad include first-five Rivez Reihana and Valance Yates.

-Today's 1st XV pre-season clash between Whangarei Boys' High and Saint Kentigern's kicks off at 3.30pm at the school's grounds.