College Rugby: Auckland 1st XV season preview

The Auckland 1A rugby competition kicks off tomorrow.

Auckland Grammar have parked the triumphant 2014 1A season as they kick off their title defence tomorrow.

From 2012-14, St Kentigern were the hunted with some quality First XVs and they reeled off three consecutive championships before Auckland Grammar turned the tables on them with a 31-26 win in the final, much to the delight of most neutral observers who felt that much of St Kentigern's success was built on channelling vast resources into a winning First XV.

St Kentigern will again be a contender, having made some astute recruiting decisions, but Auckland Grammar will look to their senior men to lead the way, as they seek a 67th 1A crown, the most by far in schools rugby. Today they travel 100m down Mountain Road to meet St Peter's in the infamous 'Cage'.

"It's the start of a very long campaign, and what an exciting start. Anyone who saw last year's semifinal will know what a thriller it was, but these are now two brand-new teams looking to do well," says assistant coach Ben Skeen, recalling the intense 2014 semifinal, where Auckland Grammar needed a last-gasp drop goal from No 10 Wiseguy Faiane to edge St Peter's 24-22 in a cracking contest.

Auckland Grammar is entering a typically intense May, where they play midweek traditionals and then 1A battles on the weekends. They have impressed in pre-season, accounting for a solid Rotorua BHS outfit and also Tauranga BC.

Leading from the front will be new captain and tighthead prop Antonio Ripata, into his third season with the First XV and an NZ Barbarians Schools rep in 2014. Sound decision-making will come from the 9-10 combination of Melino Fineanganofo, who was used in some of SKY's advertising for its Rugby Channel coverage, and the talented Faiane.
Skeen says Auckland Grammar will not be resting on their laurels.

"Excitingly, there's been no talk of last year's team and what they've done. The boys walked in and said this is the team of 2015 and this is the culture and legacy we want."

MAGS are tipped to return to the top four, with around 20 back from 2014, though they have lost midfielder and vice-captain Chris Luau to a hamstring for a fortnight, ruling him out of today's tasty match-up with always competitive Sacred Heart on Eden Park.
Kelston host St Kentigern in what will be a solid gauge on the west Auckland school's resurgence, while there will be much interest in the fortunes of the newly promoted Dilworth (hosting Otahuhu) and Aorere (hosting King's).

As ever, interest from old boys, fans and scouts will be high for this competition, from which at least eight First XVs have valid semifinal claims. At Wednesday's season launch in the carvernous Eden Park home changing room, some of the players and coaches could visualise being back there for the August 22 1A final at the venue.

*North Harbour's six-team, 1A First XV competition also kicks off today with perennial contenders Rosmini hosting Massey in the marquee clash from 12.45pm.