Rugby: Never-say-die attitude wins out

Rotorua Boys' High School sprinter Latu Vaeno on his way to scoring the winning try in the dying seconds of the match against Hastings Boys' High School. Photo/Ben Fraser

If anyone has a never-give-up mentality it's the Rotorua Boys' High School first XV. Eight points down to Hastings Boys' High School with two minutes on the clock and they could have easily accepted defeat.

No one told them they couldn't turn that around - but that's what they did.

A try with a minute to go brought them a little closer with 20-23 on the scoreboard. With 15 seconds left to go they found the time to get another and it was so quick their coach missed it.

"I was filling in my notes from that try, they kicked off and off he went," said coach Bruce Buckton.

"I saw the initial break and that's it."

Latu Vaeno ran 50m with the ball, evading his opponents to go between the posts. Rotorua ran out 27-23 winners.

"With two minutes to go and eight points to collect the easy situation is to count yourself out," Buckton said.

"The principal's heart was stopping, but we've got used to these scenarios but it takes a lot of resolve and belief to stay on it.

"We're proud of the boys and having that belief.

"Our key momentum is about mental toughness, but it's not an easy thing to do with 17-year-olds."

Rotorua travel away to Napier Boys' High School next weekend. Rotorua are currently fourth in the table and Napier seventh.