Fatigue no excuse for Napier's opponents

Fatigue is simply not an option for Otago Boys' High School First XV as it goes into its top four encounter against Napier Boys' High School in Rotorua today.

The winner of this game will get a chance to play for the big prize and be crowned the national school champion next week.

For Otago Boys' the match this afternoon will be the 24th game of the season, although coach Ryan Martin said the side was excited and looking forward to the match.

"We just took last weekend off which was a real help for the team. Gave the players some time to freshen up and rest both the body and the mind," Martin said.

"After playing 23 games this season then you would naturally expect everyone to be a bit tired, both physically and mentally. But after the weekend off the guys are really excited and looking forward to the match."

Otago Boys', which has not been beaten this season, last made the top four in 2002, when they lost in the semifinals to Napier Boys'.

The top four has a different format this year. Usually the top four sides gather in Rotorua, play semifinals on the Thursday and then play the final the following Sunday.

But just the semifinals are being played in Rotorua.

Hamilton Boys' High School will take on St Kentigern College, of Auckland, in the first semifinal today with Otago Boys' and Napier Boys' facing each other in the later match.

The winners will clash next Saturday in the final, in either Auckland or Hamilton.

Martin said he had done a bit of research into Napier Boys' and they were a typical North Island side.

"They will look to move the ball as often as possible and keep it alive. They have got a lot of speed and will want to use it.

"So for us it is about playing our game, keeping hold of the ball and making sure we use our big forwards."

He was happy to be playing in the second match today as it gave his side a bit more time in the morning.

Napier Boys' qualified to be the Hurricanes representative after it beat Gisborne Boys' in Palmerston North last month. They made the top four last year but lost in the semifinals.

The Hawke's Bay-based side has had a fine season, although they have lost a couple of matches.

The match is expected to be played in wet conditions today.