By Stu Piddington

Timaru Boys' High School First XV and Roncalli-Aoraki Combined have both drawn tough starts to rugby's UC Championship that kicks off on Saturday.

The championship pits the top 15 secondary schools' and combined schools rugby teams from Timaru to Nelson across the Crusader's Super Rugby franchise.

Roncalli-Aoraki Combined face a baptism of fire against defending champions and hot favourites Christchurch Boys' High School in Christchurch followed by another of the favoured sides, Nelson College, in Timaru a week later.

Timaru Boys' High host a revitalised St Bede's College at Alpine Energy Stadium first up in what will also be a tough opener before facing Christchurch Boys' High, which will also doubles as their traditional interschool game.

TBHS will be hoping to crack the top eight after winning bowl final in 2018 to finish ninth overall.

Roncalli, the smallest school in the championships with less than 230 boys, has struggled over the past few years. The combined element this season has, however, delivered six players from Geraldine, Waimate and Mountainview high schools, which is a positive.

If they can topple Ashburton Combined or grab a win somewhere else in the tough competition it will be a bonus.

Roncalli- Aoraki have 10 caps returning from 2018 and will be captained by experienced No 8 Jack Pratt, who in his third year with the side. Talented midfielder William Johnson is the vice captain, with the side coached again by Jonts McKerrow and Julian Pratt (assistant).

Another key player is first five Hayden Kerr, who will also have the goal kicking duties.

Geraldine High School have delivered a couple of handy players in open side Connor Foley-Smith and lock Alex Hayes.

Timaru Boys have 12 players returning with George Brown captaining the side. Brown is also in his third year with the First XV and is an excellent open side. He will be joined in the loose forwards by the tough TJ Lensley at No 8 while lock Ryan Lewthwaite will also be a key in the pack.

In the backs James Robinson will be one to watch at either nine or 10, while Jacob McKinley will be a key in the midfield. Hard running fullback George Guerin, who completed the two-day individual Coast to Coast, is another who will be some x-factor to the side.

JP Koen and Robin Parker are in their second year coaching the team but have also welcomed former Pleasant Point senior coach Kelly Walsh into their group.

Timaru Boys' kick-off at midday at Alpine Energy Stadium, in what should be an entertaining contest.

Squads (with * denoting returning players) are:

Aoraki-Roncalli Combined: Angus Jensen, Ashlei Stuart-Martin*, Luke Biutanaseva, Alex Hayes (Geraldine HS), Adam Curry, Ben Kerr, Connor Foley-Smith (Geraldine HS), Jack Pratt (c)*, Sebastian Monua, Mitchell Walsh, Aqa Siale* (Mountainview HS), Ryan Brosnahan, Billy Boyne (Waimate HS), Nick De Joux, Izy Holden*, Sam Richards, Thomas Flynn, Hayden Kerr, George Laing, William Johnson*, Lian Brown (Waimate HS), Michael Livingstone (Geraldine HS), Jackson Hicks-Sandri*, Angus Cook*, Tom Cox*, Komene Williams, Joe Ioane.

TBHS: Forwards, Jack Pudney*, Shane Jansen, Darian Dysart*, Patelesio Latu*, George Mulder*, Ryan Lewthwaite*, George Brown* (c), TJ Lensley*, David Edh, Viliame Loilagi, James Davidson*, Dion McKeown*. Backs: Ryan Allan, James Robertson*, Paongo Mavae, Liam Parker*, Jacob McKinlay, Jed Syme, Hugh Cameron, George Guerin*, Tafu Tafunaina, Taine Cordell-Hull.

First round draw: Ashburton/Mid Canterbury Combined v Marlborough Boys' College, St Andrew's College v Nelson College, Timaru BHS v St Bede's College, Christchurch BHS v Roncalli-Aoraki Combined, Waimea Combined v St Thomas of Canterbury College, Christ's College v Shirley Boy's High School, Lincoln Combined v Rangiora High.

Article added: Thursday 02 May 2019