Dynamic No 8 Junior Faa'vae played a major role in Kings High School's comfortable 25-10 win against Waitaki Boys High School in the Highlanders First XV match in Dunedin yesterday.
Faa'vae (17), in his first year in the team, had a storming game and caused problems for the Waitaki defence as he broke the advantage line.
Kings started aggressively with tries to wing Tim Tolovae and prop Ayden Lloyd in the first seven minutes. But the Dunedin school became too loose after this and allowed Waitaki Boys' back into the game when No 8 Michael Familton burst 18m to the line midway through the spell. King's led 13-5 at the break.
Kings tightened its game in the second spell and attacked through the forwards, with props Lloyd and Hayden Fleury aggressive on the pick and go and openside flanker Tyrone Pelasio lively with the ball in hand. Its two second-half tries came after sustained forward pressure.
Halfback Caleb Gray passed accurately and first five-eighth Gifford Henry captured large hunks of territory with his accurate punting.
Waitaki had a pacy backline, with fullback Neil Hill and wing Chris Weily dangerous on the counterattack. Loose forwards Familton and Matt Duff were the best of the pack.
Kings remains unbeaten after four games in the Highlanders First XV competition while Waitaki has had two wins from its four games.
• Kings 25 (Tim Tolovae, Junior Faa'vae, Ayden Lloyd, Asia Taana tries; Gifford Henry conversion, penalty goal), Waitaki Boys 10 (Michael Familton, Neil Hill tries). Halftime: Kings 13-5.
