King, Andrew poised to debut for Tall Blacks in Asia Cup
Both rising guard Mojave King and former Otago Nuggets centre Jack Andrew will be on debut when New Zealand play at the tournament in Jeddah next month.
They will be joined by fellow newcomer Dontae Russo-Nance, who played for the Nuggets last year but is now with the Manawatu Jets.
The selection of Dunedin-born King, in particular, in the 11-man Asia Cup squad is a significant moment for New Zealand hoops.
King, 23, the son of Nuggets great Leonard King and former Otago basketballer Tracey Paul, and grandson of late Otago hoops stalwart John Paul, has spent more of his life in Australia but he has declared his hand for the land of his birth.
He became just the third New Zealander drafted into the NBA when he was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers with the 47th overall pick in the 2023 draft, and his rights are now with the New Orleans Pelicans.
King, who plays for the Tauranga Whai in the NBL, has impressed Tall Blacks coach Judd Flavell.
"We always knew that Mojave was very talented," Flavell said.
"When you look at the Tall Blacks in the past, we've had to have a guy that can score, shoot the ball and get hot. And we know Mojave can put on 10-12 points in a short period of time."
King averaged 8.5 points for the Breakers in the Australian league last season.
He then averaged 22.2 points for the Whai, shooting at a decent 38% clip from three-point range.
"His role for us is going to be scoring," Flavell said.
"Mojave has that unique skillset that I think past Tall Black teams have really leaned on to carry some of that scoring load."
There will be whoops of joy around the halls of an Oamaru school at Andrew's debut selection.
Andrew, 24, was a stand-out at St Kevin's before playing 80 games for the Nuggets — helping them win the NBL championship in 2022 — and having two spells with the Perth Wildcats.
He flourished when he moved to the Taranaki Airs this year, posting 13.9 points, 8.9 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game .
"Jack has had a phenomenal jump this season," Flavell said.
"He just really seemed to grow in confidence as well. For a big man to actually run and have a high activity rate — that's something that we really like about him.
"He's been the first man down the floor, he's been active on the glass, and he's had great success in tandem with Carlin (Davison) off the pick and roll. I think those two have been one of the most dynamic duos."
Leading Tall Blacks including Shea Ili, Tai Webster, Hyrum Harris and Yanni Wetzell are unavailable for the Asia Cup, leaving Jordan Ngatai (84 caps) and Tohi Smith-Milner (69) as the senior men.
New Zealand are in group D with Chinese Taipei, the Philippines, and Iraq.
Before the tournament, they have three games in China at the Solidarity Cup and Four Nations tournaments, for which they will also have New Zealand under-19 star Hayden Jones, Jordan Hunt and Luca Yates on the roster. One of those three players will become the 12th and final member of the Asia Cup squad. Tall Blacks
Asia Cup squad
Jack Andrew, Taylor Britt, Flynn Cameron, Max Darling, Carlin Davison, Ben Gold, Mojave King, Taine Murray, Jordan Ngatai, Dontae Russo-Nance, Tohi Smith-Milner
Gold has been selected for Asia Cup only. Jordan Hunt, Hayden Jones and Luca Yates will join squad for preceding Solidarity Cup and Four Nations.
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NZ Herald
11 hours ago
- NZ Herald
First XV wrap: King's College top 1A rugby with Calvin Harris-Tavita's heroics
And twice late in the second spell, with King's desperately chasing the game, the 17-year-old showed exactly why he was drawing such attention, with his slick sidestep and ability to carve up defences employed to devastating effect. King's fullback Calvin Harris-Tavita. Photo / Bruce Holloway On the first occasion, he triggered a 70m move with a weaving run which ended with Marco Miln – playing this match at halfback rather than first five-eighths – dotting down in the left-hand corner to make it 20-20. The second burst, three minutes from time, was even more special. Harris-Tavita scythed through and unfurled a 30m pass from left to right, under pressure and into the wind, after already covering 50m at full speed, with more turns than Shane van Gisbergen, while defenders approached from all angles. It was simply a masterpiece as he unloaded for sub Spencer Capper to score in the right-hand corner, worthy of winning any match. With just one round to play and bottom-placed Botany Downs Secondary College their final opponents, it is all but certain King's will top the table for the semifinals, while St Kentigern will face third-placed Sacred Heart College in the other semi, with just the venue to be decided by the outcome of final-round matches – where the two colleges also clash. But it will be a real last-round lottery to sort out who the fourth semifinalist will be, with Auckland Grammar School the favoured candidate after beating St Paul's College 38-0, though Liston College, Kelston Boys' High School and St Peter's College are also all still in the frame, three points back – and with Kelston and Grammar due to face each other on Saturday. Given St Kentigern have won 30 of their last 32 1A round-robin matches, King's Harris-Tavita-inspired victory is highly significant. It should not go unnoticed that the last time King's won the 1A title, back in 2019, they topped the table with a 9-2 record. This contest drew a crowd that any NPC match will do well to match in ensuing weeks, while the King's home-pitch setting was resplendent with stark contrasts. King's College students cheer on their side against St Kentigern College. Photo / Bruce Holloway On one side stood the St Kentigern hardcore, seemingly sci-fi cosplaying topless in blue body paint to look like the Na'vi, the sapient humanoid hunter-gatherers who inhabit the lush moon of Pandora in the Avatar movies. And on the other side were perched the King's students, looking even more alien, with the boys formally decked out in striped jackets and ties, as if they were extras from Tom Brown's School Days. 'Down the crown,' said the main St Kentigern placard. 'Protect the Kingdom,' the King's sign thematically rebutted, its urgency somehow reinforced by the background starkness of the doom-inducing winter oak tree silhouette that fronts the college's equivalent of Malfoy Manor. Those colourful contrasts quickly extended to the on-field action. As is their practice, St Kentigern played with a calculated, muscular efficiency that usually stifles the opposition. On the other hand, King's, despite missing multiple goalkicks that could have added a dozen points, were eventually rewarded for their greater ambition and creativity, particularly while battling against a strong second-half wind. The other King's standout was openside flanker Johan Schaumkell, King's answer to the Red Baron, who sports colourful headgear pulled low over his brow – which makes him somehow look like a brooding superhero searching for his next kill. King's College flanker Johan Schaumkell was one of his team's stars against St Kentigern College. Photo / Bruce Holloway How long before league scouts are chasing him as well? Schaumkell mixes raw power with pace and accounted for his team's opening try with a withering 20m burst. Five minutes earlier, St Kentigern had opened the scoring with a close-range try out wide. It's hard to know exactly who scored in a blur of bodies. St Kentigern are one of many schools who struggle to correctly employ the Rugby Xplorer competition management platform and didn't load a team list on the day. But at a guess, it was at least prop Riley Grant-Faiva who scored their second such forward-engineered try to level at 10-10 just before halftime. With the wind behind them in the second spell, St Kentigern first five-eighths Jaydon Randall landed a penalty from right in front for a 13-10 lead, though King's prop Keneti Fanuatanu soon replied with an unconverted try. St Kentigern's natural instinct is always to go up the middle and it at least paid off when hooker Luka Makata scored a nice converted try to cap an impressive game. With a 20-15 lead, a strong wind and time running out, the match was St Kentigern's to lose. The turning point came when referee Adam Palmer changed his decision from a penalty for St Kentigern, for a player seemingly being tackled off the ground, into a penalty for King's – and that laid the platform for Tavita-Harris to show his party pieces. St Kentigern still had a chance to snatch victory with a late penalty, but with the aid of the wind, the touch-finder was kicked long, beyond the corner post. King's and St Kentigern are perhaps Auckland's two most well-resourced 1A schools and could yet meet again in the grand final. But if so, a King's coronation would appear the more likely. If they are to overcome their seven-year 1A hoodoo, St Kentigern may need to take a few risks and introduce a teeny-weeny bit more expansive play. Elsewhere in Auckland 1A Fullback Finn Norrie and openside Ngawai Amoamo bagged a brace each as Sacred Heart College sealed a playoff berth with a 48-7 away win over Botany Downs Secondary College. The match was a contest of odd sequences, still scoreless after 25 minutes – but then blown out to 31-0 by halftime. But another talked-about feature of the match was referee Antony Petrie getting hit on the nose by the ball. With no advantage to be gained, there was a short injury break. And while Sacred managed eight tries, one of the day's best came from rangy Botany left winger Rhys Bowden, who cleverly stepped the defence for an eye-catching second-half try. King's win over St Kentigern was bad news for Sacred because it means they can't finish higher than third. And with St Kentigern destined to finish second, Sacred are now likely to end up playing them away on two consecutive Saturdays. St Peter's College struck their best form of the season to beat Liston College 30-15 and retain the Dallow Cup, after leading 12-0 at the break. First five Malakai Hafoka accounted for 15 of St Peter's points, including a try. Like Liston, St Peter's are a good bet for a bonus-point win next week and a subsequent final tally of 36 points, so this head-to-head result could yet be critical. Auckland Grammar School were always in control against St Paul's College, leading 19-0 at halftime and chalking up five tries to secure a vital bonus point. There were two tries to winger Luke Thomson and one apiece to centre Bastion Armstrong, No 8 Lagi Sharma, hooker Santino Naufahu and sub Hamish Mather. Kelston Boys' High School beat Dilworth School 47-5 after leading 21-5 at the break, with impressive No 8 Satali Asolelei Fretton grabbing two tries and skipper-hooker Lui Stowers two as well. Meanwhile, Kelston second five Koupa Nomotu hit the notable milestone of 50 First XV appearances. Mt Albert Grammar School secured their fourth win of the season, 24-17 over De La Salle College. Fullback Finn McDrury accounted for half of Grammar's points and scored two tries. Auckland 1A Points: King's College 45, St Kentigern 44, Sacred Heart 44, Auckland Grammar 34, Kelston 31, Liston 31, St Peter's 31, Mt Albert Grammar 20, St Paul's 15, Dilworth 7, De La Salle 6, Botany Downs 3. Auckland 1A draw, Saturday (all 2.30pm, home team first): De La Salle v Dilworth; St Peter's v Mt Albert Grammar; Liston v St Paul's; Auckland Grammar v Kelston; St Kentigern v Sacred Heart; King's College v Botany Downs. Westlake return to the top Westlake Boys High School moved five points clear at the top of the Kyocera-sponsored North Harbour First XV championship – thanks largely to third-placed Whangārei Boys' High School rolling Rosmini College 16-12. While Rosmini scored two tries to one, the boot of Joshua McRae made the difference for Whangārei with three penalties and a conversion. For Whangārei, there was a try to flanker Jordan Young while for Rosmini, there was a converted try to lock Danny Murphy and one to sub Charlie Ryder. Meanwhile, it was a classic game of two halves as Westlake beat Massey High School 55-7. Westlake failed to impress in the first half, despite establishing a 21-0 lead by halftime. It was largely dour stuff as a series of knock-ons and dropped passes dominated and the only thing to celebrate was Westlake lock Harry Cornelius finally scoring his first try after five years of secondary school rugby, and halfback Levi Leith picking up two. For Cornelius' effort, there were joyous celebrations, of which Westlake later broadcast a clip on Instagram, choosing to accompany it to the tune of Celine Dion's My Heart Will Go On (the theme from the movie Titanic). In the second spell, Westlake lifted their intensity and let the ball speak – and there was immediately a try to Boston Aukino, a second to winger Yisrael Tukania and two to Harper Wilson on the other flank. The floodgates then opened with forwards' tries to Daniel Paea and Tom Bolger and one to second five Luke Lemalu. Massey never gave up and were rewarded with a try to No 8 Lale Taeoalii. Takapuna Grammar School squeaked home 11-10 away to Mahurangi College. There was a try apiece – to Mahurangi flanker Finn Nowakowski Craig in the first half and Takapuna sub Connor Brady in the second – but Takapuna first five Max Murray made the difference with two penalties. For Mahurangi, the match marked 30 caps for hooker Lochie Reid and prop Jacob Chown-Mills. Rangitoto College beat Ōrewa College 50-15, scoring eight tries. North Harbour draw, Saturday (home team first, all 12 noon): Rangitoto v Whangārei; Massey v Mahurangi; Rosmini v Westlake; Takapuna v Ōrewa North Harbour points: Westlake 53, Rosmini 49, Whangārei 47, Rangitoto 38, Massey 25, Mahurangi 17, Takapuna Grammar 10, Ōrewa 1. Hamilton Boys' High back on track Coldly clinical Hamilton Boys' High School outfoxed enigmatic Hastings Boys' High School 31-22 to conclude their disappointing Super 8 campaign with a third consecutive victory and a timely reminder not to write off the national champions. While Hastings made repeat line breaks and launched a furious comeback from 26-3 down to create a slim chance of success near the end, it was Hamilton's defence and precision inside opposition territory that were the most telling factors. Hamilton Boys' High School line up. Hastings can be a real handful, with beefy forwards who are just as quick and skilled as their backs. However, there is a Jekyll-and-Hyde persona to Hastings, with exorbitant mistakes and penalties sometimes hampering prodigious talent. Hamilton were ahead 19-3 at halftime, not because they'd enjoyed a plethora of possession; they just hadn't blown it. Chiefs Under-18 representatives Max Kara (second five-eighths), Liam van der Heyden (prop) and Nathan Stephens (winger) all crossed from steady, accurate build-ups. Meanwhile, Hastings were left to rue errant passing and a stream of isolated, one-on-one turnovers. All three Hamilton loose forwards, Alex Arnold, Caleb Grice and Corban Dunlop, as well as first five Jackson Botherway and fullback Hakopa Paringatai, proved to be successful pickpockets. In the 43rd minute, vibrant wing Stephens scored his second to make it 26-3, at which point most on Peachgrove Rd would wave the white flag. But then, suddenly, Hastings clicked. Two tries to bulldozing No 8 Panapa Peia and a 67th wriggle-and-stretch from France Tevita, accompanied by a sideline conversion to Tana Faumuina, reduced the deficit to four. If nothing else, Hastings are brazen. There was little thought of a patient construction of a match-winner. Instead, a wild pass was sprayed backwards inside the 22 – and Carson Hunter swooped. Since 2016, Hamilton have won seven matches against Hastings, who have won six, including success at the 2016, 2017 and 2019 National Top Four tournaments. Meanwhile, Tauranga Boys' College snapped their three-game losing streak with a 50-15 hiding of Gisborne Boys' High School. Fullback Tommy 'Ethereal' McQuoid scored twice to complete the remarkable feat of scoring a try in every Super 8 game. The Chiefs' regional playoff for the top-four national deciders is shaping up to be extremely competitive. Rotorua and Tauranga will tussle again to determine the Bay of Plenty champions on August 9. The Waikato layoff remains undecided, but the likely match-up is between Hamilton Boys' and Central North Island frontrunners St Peter's Cambridge, also on August 9. The Counties champions are Wesley College, who blanked Pukekohe High School 50-0. Francis Douglas Memorial College earned their place as Taranaki's representatives after their 10-8 upset of New Plymouth Boys' High School in May. Showdown in the Square – Palmerston North to Host Super 8 final When talismanic first five-eighths Jamie Viljoen ghosted into a yawning hole to touch down in the sixth minute of Wednesday's Polson Banner fixture for Palmerston North Boys' High School, on the way to a 30-7 win against Napier Boys' High School, there already appeared to be a sense of inevitability about the outcome. Seeking the right to host the Super 8 final for the first time, it was apt that the strongest of contenders for the New Zealand Schools No 10 jersey marked the big occasion by laying his blueprint early. Motivated, cohesive and fast, Palmerston North blasted 19-0 ahead after 21 minutes with further tries to Hurricanes U18 forwards Viliami Rongokea-Tupou and Siokatame Langilangi. The four-try bonus point needed to snuff out any chance of Rotorua hosting the decider would come easily, wouldn't it? Instead, Palmerston North overplayed their hand, while a less-than-vintage Sky Blues outfit provided stubborn resistance. No 8 Carter Pirie briefly invoked memories of a rampaging Colin Bourke from the same game two decades earlier with an intimidating solo burst; otherwise, it was a slog, where Rongokea-Tupou, Carlo Isaac and gritty Year 11 lock Ollie Read were forced into sustained periods of tackling. Just when it seemed Palmerston North could be bound for Rotorua, fullback Hunter Kennedy flicked a switch. In the 68th minute, the Piopio Express, with the balance of Biles, tiptoed down the sideline and sprinted clear for the try that ensured the Square will stop next Saturday. Palmerston North captured the Polson Banner for the 65th time, having not held the silk banner, with two sides depicting the colours and logo of each school, since 2021. Meanwhile, Rotorua Boys' High School comfortably retained the Moascar Cup with a 36-19 home win against New Plymouth Boys' High School. In doing so, Raukura could win the Super 8 for the fourth time if they repeat their July 19 road success against Palmerston North. Rotorua mauled strongly from lineouts and had more punch and panache in midfield in overcoming gritty New Plymouth. The visitors briefly enjoyed the ascendancy when tiger-hearted No 8 Luke Goodman charged over, but the locals always had greater ammunition. Hooker Bronson Van der Heyden, lock Hunter Weaver, and loose forwards Jake Hutchings and Te Ariki Rogers forged ahead. Out wide, Chiefs U18 selections Hieke McGarvey, Isi Tuutafaiva and Tokoaitua Owen all scored tries, combining vision, speed, sparkling footwork and a bit of brawn. Tukotahi Richards-Te Whau continued his excellent goalkicking form with four conversions and a penalty. New Plymouth's season is done and dusted with just a solitary Super 8 victory. Lock Brody Leicester, alongside Goodman, was their only other Chiefs U18 selection. Rotorua are not obligated to take the Moascar Cup to Palmerston North, but it's not against the rules either. Super 8 points: Palmerston North 30, Rotorua 29, Hamilton 23, Tauranga 23, Hastings 21, Napier 12, New Plymouth 5, Gisborne 4. Super 8 final, Saturday: Palmerston North v Rotorua, TBA. Palmy's only Super 8-winning team The only Palmerston North team to win the Super 8 was in 2005. That season, Palmerston North finished third in New Zealand, losing a National Top Four semifinal to the eventual champions, Christchurch Boys' High School, 16-9. Palmerston North played 22 games, achieving 19 wins and copping three defeats. They scored 813 points, 123 tries and conceded only 282 points. Head coach Rhys Archibald later ironically coached at Christchurch Boys', while the captain was prop Jason Douglas. Future Rugby World Cup winner Aaron Cruden scored 82 points, but the earnest Palmerstonian suggested he work on his kicking game. Future Welsh second five-eighths Hadleigh Parkes scored tries in six out of seven Super 8 fixtures, while chipper All Blacks Sevens showman Kurt Barker scored 16 tries. Former Palmerston North Boys' High School player Aaron Cruden went on to represent the All Blacks. Photo / Photosport But the most enchanting individual that season was future Māori All Black Andre Taylor, who scored 27 tries, including two or more tries in eight games and seven tries in a single match against hapless Australian opposition, Kinross Wolaroi School. In the Super 8 this year, Palmerston North have defeated Gisborne 30-15, Tauranga 38-15, Hastings 32-15, Hamilton 17-10, New Plymouth 45-5, and Napier 29-20. Their only loss came against Rotorua, when they were narrowly defeated 22-21. Past Super 8 finals 2014: Hamilton 21 Palmerston North 3 2015: Hamilton 33 Rotorua 14 2016: Hastings 30 Hamilton 8 2017: Hamilton 12 Hastings 12 2018: Hamilton 23 Napier 22 2019: Hamilton 13 Hastings 5 2020: Hamilton 26 Rotorua 13 2021: Hamilton 12 Hastings 10 2022: Rotorua 20 Hamilton 19 2023: Hamilton 56 Napier 22 2024: Tauranga 37 Hamilton 0 Central North Island semifinals set Round-robin winners St Peter's Cambridge will host Wesley College in one Central North Island semifinal on Saturday, while in the other, Feilding High School will be at home to Lindisfarne College after showing their all-round ability by hammering Whanganui Collegiate 64-7. St Peter's romped to an expected 67-17 home win over St John's College (Hastings), after leading 36-5 at the break, to complete a perfect round-robin season. Meanwhile, Wesley were the big beneficiaries of St John's College (Hamilton) pipping city rivals St Paul's Collegiate School 20-19, while Wesley won 31-14 away to Francis Douglas Memorial College. Left winger Kailan Ellmers was the pick of the bunch as Feilding registered their seventh win of the season, chasing hard on kicks, making tackles and eating up huge yards with the ball in hand. Feilding first five-eighths Tyrese Tane opened the scoring with a nice double-round after 10 minutes and that was soon followed by two tries to fullback Peni Havea and one apiece to centre James Tuituba and No 8 Rupeni Raviyawa. But Whanganui's Jonathan Solomona replied with a try from a charge-down and a 40m run. In the second half, Feilding ran in tries to Manihera-Dankwa, another two to Raviyawa, Lucas Goodman (playing his 30th match) and Ellmers. Hooker and skipper Alani Fakava didn't get on the scoresheet but he did register his 70th match for Feilding. Central North Island final points: St Peter's 39, Feilding 37, Lindisfarne 31, Wesley 23, St Paul's 20, St John's Hamilton 15, Whanganui 12, Francis Douglas 11, St John's Hastings 0. Central North Island semifinals, Saturday: St Peter's v Wesley; Feilding v Lindisfarne. Subsidiary: St Paul's v Francis Douglas; St John's v Whanganui. A ton for Silverstream, 38 points for super Cooper The Wellington First XV Premiership featured a heavily lopsided round robin, where 25 out of 44 games were decided by a margin of 20 points or more, and ended with the largest defeat recorded and a predictable line-up for the semifinals. League leaders St Patrick's College Silverstream obliterated last-placed Tawa College 113-0 – a record victory for the Upper Hutt school, founded in 1931. Silverstream will host fourth-placed Rathkeale College, who suffered an even more disturbing 71-12 hiding at the hands of second-placed Wellington College. Third-placed St Patrick's College (Town) steamrolled Hutt International Boys' School (Hibs) 58-0. Town have the size and capability to challenge Wellington, although they will need to improve from their lacklustre performance against Silverstream on July 16. The only discussion points from Silverstream's landslide were the absence of serious injuries and the historically large stat line. Silverstream scored 17 tries and successfully converted 14 kicks, while leading 45-0 at halftime. Remarkably, there were 11 different individual scorers, with prolific Year 11 first five-eighths Fletcher Cooper contributing 38 points. Previously, Silverstream's largest win occurred during the era of four-point tries, when they destroyed a Pōneke Under-19s team 108-14 in 1982. In that match, despite conceding three pushover tries from scrums, Jeff Karam, related to All Black Joe Karam, scored 10 tries, while Dennis Tocker, Silverstream's first New Zealand Secondary Schools representative, accumulated 36 points. Ten players shared Wellington College's 11 tries in their Rathkeale romp. Winger Fraser Lindsay has struck a purple patch with successive braces, while sharpshooter Archie Sims was on target with seven conversions from eight attempts. St Pat's Town scored 10 tries but only converted four in their 58-0 blanking of Hibs. Patu Perenise and Remy Fitisemanu achieved doubles. In 10 round-robin matches, Silverstream scored 601 points, while Wellington College and Town each scored 399, although Wellington played one less match due to Scots' shocking second-round default. In other matches, St Bernard's College edged Scots College 27-22 and Wairarapa College quelled Rongotai College 24-10. Wellington Tranzit Coachlines Cup points: Silverstream 44, Wellington 40, St Pat's Town 36, Rathkeale 28, Hibs 26, Wairarapa 19, Scots 12, St Bernards 10, Rongotai 9, Tawa 7. Juicy semifinals in Canterbury A replay of the 2024 title decider between Christchurch Boys' High School and Nelson College, and a mouthwatering duel involving undefeated Marlborough Boys' College and a resurgent Christ's College will determine the finalists in the Miles Toyota Premiership. In the quarter-finals, the fourth-placed defending champions Nelson powered past fifth-ranked St Andrew's College 47-12, while few would have expected Christ's, in sixth place, to convincingly dismiss St Thomas of Canterbury College 46-24 on their home field. However, Christ's assistant coach Sam Bromhall believes his team have been building greater cohesion and confidence with the return of key players Gavin Holder and Rico Lemalie. Remarkably, this duo scored half of the visitors' eight tries, with Holder claiming a hat-trick. 'Rico broke his arm early on and has missed most of the season, while Gavin's been in and out, along with a couple of other key players, including our captain, Alf Markham, for a game,' Bromhall explained. 'That has meant we've had to shuffle things around and be patient as players adjust to new positions.' Lemalie and Holder both started as young Year 11 wingers and last year played together at 10 and 12. 'We've been happy with Jackson Grace at 10, so we decided to move Gavin to fullback upon his return, and to be fair, that has been a good decision. He gets more time and space to use his vision, speed and footwork to beat players.' With a narrow lead of 22-17 after withstanding a serious assault on their line, Holder shifted momentum in an instant with a stunning chip-and-chase try from halfway, leaving some retreating defenders resembling wobbly turnstiles. Lemalie sealed the victory with a shoving, weaving surge late in the proceedings. Rather than individual brilliance, Bromhall was most satisfied with the application of basics and defiant tackling. Christ's scored three tries directly from lineout drives, with hooker Adriaan Pieter Van Wyk managing to get lower than a snake's belly on two occasions. With the scores locked at 17-17, Christ's were menacingly marching toward the paint when the ball mysteriously popped out for Henry Pratt to calmly collect and dot down. There was also some slick handling by Christ's that allowed them to outmanoeuvre the vastly heavier opposition. 'The core of the team is the same as in 2024, and we saw a lot of potential then, so it's great to be getting the best out of them now,' Bromhall enthused. 'We lost to St Andrew's before the Matariki break. The game was played at 10.30 on a Friday morning, which is earlier than usual, and I reckon some of the boys had one foot still in bed, while others didn't get out at all. 'The whole group now is actually playing for each other, which is evident in our willingness to dig in on defence. We only just beat Rangiora and lost to Selwyn. You must be at your best at all times in this competition. 'Our prop Tom Hazeldine attended the Māori Under-18 camp. He's a tough player who gives it his all. Captain Alf Markham is super consistent and No 8 Lui Tupuola is playing the best we've seen from him.' Bishop Neal, the St Thomas No 8, was again a human wrecking ball, scoring two tries and delivering bone-jarring hits. As a player, Bromhall won the NPC with Canterbury in 2001 and 2005, as well as Super Rugby titles with the Crusaders in 2002 and 2005. Does the much-hyped Neal have the attributes of a champion? 'He can be pretty devastating all right,' Bromhall responded. 'You definitely have to shut down his time and space, and even then, he sometimes takes three players with him. His size is a significant advantage at this level. It'll be interesting to see how he develops.' Having earlier in the season squandered a 22-0 advantage against St Andrew's College, Nelson College have undoubtedly become more ruthless, putting St Andrew's away 47-12. Winger Liam Soper zipped in twice and first five Wiremu Makea compiled 15 points. The hosts' forwards display was efficacious, with hooker Jack Potter industrious and prop Tawhiao Whitham-TeKotua damaging, each rewarded with tries. Will Horncastle and Tom Perkins have ample playoffs experience and that will be essential for bouncing back from an almost unprecedented 58-31 hiding to Christchurch Boys' on May 24. # There was a strong Christ's connection in Marist Albion's breathtaking 27-25 victory over defending champions Linwood in the Canterbury Metro final at Apollo Projects Stadium in Christchurch on Sunday. The winning try was scored after the siren following 30 gut-busting phases by former student Shun Miyake, who has played in the NPC for both Tasman and Canterbury. Head coach Ross Kennedy, who guided Christ's to a share of the Premiership in 2018, was partnered by Sam Chamberlain, who also co-coaches Christ's with Bromhall and former All Blacks captain Reuben Thorne. Marist Albion were 13-1 in 2025. Miles Toyota Premiership Top 6 finals, Saturday (home team first): Marlborough v Christ's College, 11am. Christchurch v Nelson, 11.45am. Plate final: St Thomas v St Andrew's, 2.45pm. Southern semis settled The semifinal line-up for the Freeman Roofing Southern Schools Rugby Championship settled as expected. Reigning champions Southland Boys' High School will host John McGlashan College while King's High School joust with Otago Boys' High School. Southland dispatched St Kevin's College 62-7, with front-rowers Presley McHugh and Luka Salesa both jostling over for two tries. Fullback Jack Brook accumulated 17 points. Outside backs Henry Smale, Alex Smith, and Lafa Tofiga all scored tries for King's in their 38-12 dismantling of John McGlashan College. King's play very directly through their forwards, so signs of effective, expansive play are encouraging before the semis. Otago Boys' conquered the Southland Second XV 65-12. Loosies Charlie Ottrey and Filipe Vaka'uta flourished with two tries apiece. Freeman Roofing Southern Schools Championship points: Southland 23, King's 21, Otago 14, John McGlashan 10, Southland Second XV 6, St Kevin's 0. # Disagree with anything here? We welcome alternative viewpoints. Email us at nzschoolboyrugby@
1News
13 hours ago
- 1News
Formula 1: Piastri beats Norris in Belgium, Lawson in the points
Oscar Piastri had to wait, and wait some more. Then he made his move. Piastri beat his McLaren teammate and title rival Lando Norris to win Formula 1's Belgian Grand Prix on Sunday after heavy rain delayed the start. Piastri powered past his teammate and title rival Norris on the first racing lap after the safety car pulled into the pits on lap four, following a delay to the start of more than an hour. "I knew I was going to try and lift [off the accelerator] a little bit less than Lando did and try to make it stick," said Piastri, admitting his car felt "lively" as he took on the extra risk through the steeply uphill Eau Rouge corner. Norris suggested over the radio he was having issues with the battery providing his electric power. McLaren chief executive Zak Brown told broadcaster Sky Sports that there was "a small battery issue which we've got to look at". ADVERTISEMENT Norris reduced Piastri's lead toward the end of the race but the Australian held on with worn tires and Norris couldn't get close enough to challenge. Charles Leclerc was third for Ferrari after he kept Red Bull's Max Verstappen behind him all race. New Zealand's Liam Lawson was eighth for Racing Bulls, earning himself four more competition points. He started ninth. Title battle The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including wintry blast on the way, Gloriavale leader in court, and Liam Lawson picks up points. (Source: Breakfast) ADVERTISEMENT Piastri extended his championship lead over Norris from nine points to 16 and denied his British teammate a third Grand Prix win in a row. It was the second straight day that Piastri held off Norris after taking second place ahead of his teammate in Saturday's sprint, won by Max Verstappen. Except for the weather, Piastri's overtake of Norris was almost a copy of Verstappen's opening-lap pass on the Australian from second on the grid in the sprint. Piastri had been disappointed to qualify second for the Grand Prix behind Norris, but it "turns out starting second at Spa is not so bad after all," he said. Piastri took his sixth win of the season and is the first McLaren driver to win the Belgian Grand Prix since Jenson Button in 2012. Lewis Hamilton and Liam Lawson race in Belgium (Source: Getty) Hamilton's surge to seventh ADVERTISEMENT Unlike the thrilling and chaotic last race in Britain, there was no significant rain after the race finally got underway and Sunday's race was largely a procession after a few early attacks on the still-wet track. Most key contenders switched to dry tires at roughly the same time and didn't have to stop again. In Red Bull's first Grand Prix since the firing of Christian Horner as team principal, Verstappen failed with an attempt to get past Leclerc at the start and spent the rest of the race behind the Ferrari driver on his way to fourth. George Russell was fifth for Mercedes after an early pass on Alex Albon, who finished sixth for Williams after holding off Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton, who was seventh. The seven-time champion started 18th and Hamilton carved his way through the field on the wet track early on but then lost momentum. Sauber's Gabriel Bortoleto was ninth and Pierre Gasly 10th for Alpine.
Otago Daily Times
14 hours ago
- Otago Daily Times
Hastie heading to Force
Departing Highlanders halfback Nathan Hastie passes the ball against the Brumbies this season. Nathan Hastie's career resurgence will continue away from the Highlanders. The talented halfback is heading home — he was born in Perth — and will join the Western Force for the 2026 Super Rugby season after he has completed an NPC campaign with Otago. It could be a case of perfect timing for Hastie. While the Force have Nic White as their regular No 9, the former Wallaby has just turned 35. It might not be in the realms of fantasy to picture 24-year-old Hastie shining with a chance to play regularly in Super Rugby and knocking on the door of Australian selection at some stage. He will join Tom Donnelly, the former Otago coach and Highlanders assistant, at the Force. Hastie fans will be disappointed to see the combative halfback depart. The King's High School old boy and Harbour club representative had to be patient to really get his chance for the Highlanders thanks to a combination of niggling injuries and the presence of Aaron Smith and Folau Fakatava. That chance came this year, when he earned seven starts and was in outstanding form, playing with real spark and showing a willingness to trust his instinct and run with the ball. It came as something of a surprise when he then missed several match-day squads. Hastie was announced on a three-year deal at the Highlanders in early 2024, so either the club renegotiated his contract or they have reached a deal with the Force. The Highlanders, to be fair, appear loaded at halfback. Former All Black Fakatava recently signed a new deal, and pretty much everyone expects rising New Zealand under-20 star Dylan Pledger to graduate to a full contract. That presumably means Taranaki's Adam Lennox, who was in the wider squad this year and played several games, will be contracted as the third Highlanders halfback. Hastie, an Otago Daily Times Class Act recipient in 2019, finished with just 12 caps (one try) for the Highlanders, and he will add to his 16 caps for Otago when the NPC starts this weekend.
