But that is what Waitaki Boys' High School had to do.
Its Otago premier school's match with South Otago High School in Balclutha had been going about five minutes when prop Jake Davies suffered a suspected broken bone in his lower leg.
The game had to be shifted to a nearby field. Davies was transported to Dunedin Public Hospital via helicopter following the sickening incident.
Waitaki Boys' coach Wayne Kinzett said it was distressing for everyone involved.
His team went through the motions in the first half and led 7-0.
"I had to tell the boys at halftime the helicopter was coming so they wouldn't get a shock," he said.
"But I was really pleased with their response."
Waitaki rallied and when the game opened up the tries mounted quickly.
It eventually won 52-0 in a big second-half effort. Captain and centre Ben Paton created a lot of opportunities and dotted down twice. Winger Semisi Kaufusi bagged a brace as well.
"We were able to penetrate them through the middle. Our outside backs and midfield probably scored six of the eight tries.
"Our defensive leaders were solid as well."
Prop Isaia Fariu was another standout performer. He stepped up in the absence of his fellow front rower.
Round four of the tournament delivered another two lopsided matches.
John McGlashan College dispatched Wakatipu High School 45-9 in Queenstown, and Mt Aspiring College was too good for the Combined Co-Eds in Alexandra, winning 45-5.
The other two matches were evenly contested, though. Dunstan High School had to settle for a 21-21 draw with St Kevin's College at home, and King's High School beat Otago Boys' High School Second XV 26-13 at King's.