By Stu Piddington

Four members of the Timaru Boys' High School First XV have made the Crusaders Junior Knights team to take on their Hurricanes counterparts.

TBHS captain Cullen Grace has made the side for the second successive year and is joined by prop Thomas Edwards, hooker Melvin Pauni and loose forward Finlay Grace.

It is the biggest contingent TBHS have ever had in the junior Knights, on the back of a great season so far. The only school with more players in the team are Christchurch Boys' High School with six. 

Hooker Melvin Pauni move down from Kelston Boys' High School has paid off.

For TBHS only No.8 Maka Mafileo and second five Brad Cvitanich missed the final cut after the trial, while first five Dean Andrews did not attend the 3-day camp at St Andrew's College because of injury, which was run in conjunction with NZ Rugby.

TBHS are having their best season in the UC Championship in a number of years on the back of their strong pack and look set to to secure a semi-final spot.

TBHS coach Gavin Miller said it was great that the four had made the 25-man team to travel Wellington.

Cathy Cvitanich

Prop Thomas Edwards is part of an impressive TBHS front row.

"The boys have played consistently well this season and deserve their spots.

"They will play the curtain raiser to the Crusaders Hurricanes at Westpac Stadium, which will be exciting for them and add to the occasion."

Miller said the feedback he received was all the boys had played well in the trial, including Mafileo and Cvitanich.

​"It is a tough side to make so they have done exceptionally well."

Miller said it was also good news for Timaru Boys' High School.

"It shows you don't need to go to a big Christchurch school to make it, you can be recognised from Timaru."

Miller said he had already been contacted by a number of player agents regarding Grace and Mafileo and that was likely to peak again after the game.

"Cullen is widely regarded as one of the top forwards in the comp already, he has an excellent allround game.

"Thomas' scrummaging technique has got better and his catch and pass has improved greatly.

"Fin is quite athletic, with good leg speed and a great work rate while Melvin is explosive and strong."

Miller said prop Shane Fikken was probably the unlucky one after be cut from the wider training squad.

"Our front row has not been beaten but Shane's time might come as he is back next year."

Grace, Joyce and Edwards were all in their third year with the TBHS First XV while Pauni had been a bonus addition after moving down from Kelston Boys' High School at the beginning of the year.

TBHS sit on top of the UC Championship table but are yet to have the bye.

If TBHS beat Nelson College in their Moascar Cup challenge on August 5, they should finish third behind Christ's College and Christchurch Boys' High School, and have a real shot at the title.

Junior Knights squad: Hunter Stewart, Corban Harding, Max Hughes, Louie Chapman, Tahu Kaa-Goodwillie, Ryan Barnes (Christchurch Boys' High School), Thomas Edwards, Melvin Pauni, Cullen Grace, Finlay Joyce (Timaru Boys' High Schools), Shilo Klein, Jack Rose, Veitata Kinivuwai  (St Andrew's College), Sam Darry, Isaiah Punivai (Christ's College), Caleb Havili, Graham Urquhart, Leicester Faingaanuku  (Nelson College), George Prain (Rangiora High School), Glen Beardsley (Shirley Boys' High School), Nigel Satherley (Marlborough Boys' College), Patrick Elia (St Thomas of Canterbury College), Ryan Barnes, Rico Syme, Patrick Thacker