Rugby: Rotorua Boys' begin Chiefs Cup defence against rivals

Rotorua Boys' High School's Selestino Ravautaumada runs the ball against Tauranga Boys' College during a game last year. Photo / File

Rotorua Boys' High School taking on Tauranga Boys' College is always a grand stand match-up and tomorrow they will do battle on the big stage.

Tomorrow night's encounter at Rotorua International Stadium is the curtain raiser for the Chiefs' Super Rugby match against Argentina's Jaguares and marks the beginning of Rotorua Boys' Chiefs Cup defence.

They beat Hamilton Boys' High School 29-27 in last year's final to claim the title. They have lost several key players from that side, including captain Hayze Perham who signed for the Warriors at the end of last year, but coach Ngarimu Simpkins said there was some exciting young talent coming through.

"Our 2018 team is shaping up well, we have some young players in key positions this year, their development in nailing their key roles will be exciting to watch.

"We have a good skill set right across the park ... Selestino Ravautaumada will provide some x-factor in our backline as well as Poukohe Tawhara-Sorenson, who is expected to lead the confrontational battle up front."

Simpkins said there were no easy games against Tauranga Boys' College.

"Playing against Tauranga Boys' is always a challenge. There are always bragging rights for top school in the Bay. Tauranga have been building nicely over the last couple of years, a credit to their coaching staff.

"Our pre-season has allowed us to try different player combinations and game awareness systems. On Friday night I want to see the boys execute our systems with confidence and with a focus on working hard for each other.

"The message from the coaching team will be enjoyment. We work extremely hard throughout the week, Friday is about completing the week's work with excitement.

"The Chiefs Cup is a fantastic competition that allows our boys to play at a high level of rugby. Being able to play at Rotorua International Stadium and other first class facilities is a great moment for our boys. It allows them to visualise and live in the moment of a true professional."

The Tauranga Boys' College First XV has a very different look in 2018, with just four players returning from last year's side.

Coach Dan Goodwin said he was excited to see what they could do.

"It's a pretty different team. There are some good young guys coming through who are keen to work hard, that's the main thing.

"They're a pretty tight bunch, we've only had one game, but from what we've seen so far they are keen to work hard for each other which is good to see."

Goodwin said playing at Rotorua International Stadium was "a great opportunity for any young person".

"To have a game on a great pitch like the one at the stadium, but also to play as a curtain raiser for the Chiefs, it's really special.

"I just want them to enjoy that experience and be organised. They're pretty new with each other so if we can get organised and start playing to some sort of shape, that'd be good.

"Rotorua Boys' are always well organised and they're a good, well coached team. For this game at least we'll try to stick to what we do and get ourselves organised. There's potential for us to play them four times this year."

The Chiefs Cup curtain raiser kicks off at 5pm tomorrow.