John McGlashan College
Coach: John Kyle
Last year: Champion
Key players: Prop Reon Lowery, loose forward Henry Bell and utility back Hunter Cleland
The oil: Had a sterling campaign last year and is shaping as one of the teams to beat again. The side was undefeated on its pre-season tour of Australia and will be led by burly front-rower Reon Lowery. He is a strong ball runner and will have good support from loosie Henry Bell, who is a cracking defender. Hunter Cleland will start the season at fullback but is a very accurate tactical kicker who can slot in at first five-eighth, as well.
Waitaki Boys’ High School
Coach: Hamish McKenzie
Last year: Beaten finalist
Key players: Prop Peter Armstrong, lock Paddy Henwood and inside back Jake Matthews
The oil: Waitaki has a much smaller pack this year and will have to play with accuracy to match last year’s achievements. Paddy Henwood will captain the side and will team up with Peter Armstrong to add some muscle up front, while Jake Matthews is the playmaker and will look to create opportunities. Should make the top six split but might struggle to make a bigger impact than that.
King’s High School
Co-coaches: Ryan Bambry and Will Henry
Last year: Beaten semifinalist
Key players: Prop Pau Latu, loose forward Tom Hume and midfielder James Te Pairi
The oil: The focus has been on getting the structures in place and doing the simple things well. Experienced prop Pau Latu will miss the the opening rounds while he recovers from a shoulder injury. Blindside flanker Tom Hume is a good link player and dangerous in the wide channels, while midfielder James Te Pairi is the main playmaker and an evasive runner.
Otago Boys’ High School 2nd XV
Coach: Brian AshwinLast year: Beaten semifinalist
Key players: Lock Sam Masterton, fullback Hamuera Kereopa and loose forward Olly Griffin
The oil: OBHS will build its game around the set pieces and put pressure on teams that way. Lock Sam Masterton is central to that strategy. He is a good lineout forward and solid scrummager. Loose forward Olly Griffin is a fine tackler and a player to watch, while Hamuera Kereopa will add some spark from fullback. He has a wonderful sidestep and good pace.
South Otago High School
Coach: Tim Hutton
Last year: Fifth
Key players: Lock Zach McKenzie, midfielder Timothy Faamoe and halfback Luc Thomson
The oil: The starting line-up all played last season which bodes well for the season. Lock Zach McKenzie is a quality lineout forward who carries well. Timothy Faamoe will captain the team and has made the transition from loose forward to give the midfield some punch, while Luc Thomson is an accurate goal kicker with a skilful passing game.
Dunstan High School
Coach: Garry Marsh
Last year: Sixth
Key players: Centre Jack Clark, fullback Max Duncan and prop Alex Redican.
The oil: Dunstan wants to play the game with speed and accuracy and get the ball to the brisk players in the backline. Centre Jack Clark has an eye for a gap and is very sound on defence. Fullback Max Duncan possesses explosive pace and runs great angles. He is also very nimble on his feet, while up front, prop Alex Redican will marshal the pack.
St Kevin’s College
Coaches: Robbie Breen
Last year: Seventh
Key players: Lock Tama Woolridge, loose forward Kalas Taukamo and first five-eighth Ben McCarthy
The oil: Will lack the size of some of the other teams in the competition. But Ben McCarthy is a promising talent and Tama Woolridge and Kalas Taukamo will look to inspire a pack which will have to play with cohesion to make an impact. The team showed promise during the pre-season and will target finishing as the leading co-ed school.
Kavanagh College
Coach: Jacinta Neilson
Last year: Eighth
Key players: Lock David Makasini, lock Soni Taungapeau and first five-eighth Connell Webb.
The oil: Kavanagh has had to scramble to get a team together and the season could be a real struggle. But lock David Makasini, who will captain the team, is an experienced and powerful player. Fellow lock Soni Taungapeau is a tireless worker and first five-eighth Connell Webb is fast on his feet, reads the play well and has a good passing game.
Taieri College
Coach: Ryan Shaw
Last year: Ninth
Key players: Halfback Bob Martin, midfielder Tane Russell and No8 Hunter DaleThe oil: Like a lot of the smaller teams, Taieri hopes to play an expansive game and run some of the bigger teams out of puff. Halfback Bob Martin will be instrumental. He is quick to the rucks and gets good length on his passes. Midfielder Tane Russell will straighten the attack and suck in defenders, and No8 Hunter Dale has good vision and will look for opportunities to attack the line, as well.
Mt Aspiring College
Coach: Hamish Crosbie
Last year: Last
Key players: Prop Kees Scott, centre Isaac Steenjes and No8 Josh Osborne
The oil: The goal is to be more competitive, particularly against the co-ed schools, and play with more passion. Prop Kees Scott has played representative rugby for Otago Country age group teams and is a very good scrummager. Isaac Steenjes is a clever player with a good kicking and running game, while No8 Josh Osborne is a really solid defender.
