But Otago Boys’ got to celebrate a 33-24 victory over their rivals in the traditional First XV interschool at Littlebourne yesterday.
The home team trailed 17-0 at halftime and fell further behind when Southland Boys’ added a fourth try early in the second half to take a 24-0 lead.
The visitors had been more composed, more organised and more potent when they got opportunities.
The 2023 national champions seemed likely to stroll to a very comfortable win.
And they might have done exactly that had Manaia Lesa not provided a spark.
The cover defence hauled him in but Otago Boys’ swung the ball to the right and Christopher Ure went over in the corner.
Impressive second five Tevita Latu nailed the conversion.
Latu had a tremendous day with the boot, landing four of his five conversion attempts. But he was even more of a threat when he was running with it. He must have shaken off a dozen tackles during the course of the game.
Otago Boys’ pruned the margin further when they stole a Southland Boys’ lineout throw and charged down the touchline. Halfback Jackson Hughan stayed in support and scored.
All the momentum had shifted. Southland Boys’ looked out of gas, which was hardly surprising given they did not get home from Japan, where they finished fourth in the Sanix World Rugby Youth Invitational, until Sunday.
Lesa finished off a move with a strong run to the corner and Kane Dynes crossed to make it 24-24.
Latu banged over the conversion to give Otago Boys’ their first lead, and loose forward Sione Takataka scored late to complete a stirring comeback.
No 8 Thomas Spain had a busy game for Southland Boys’ and was rewarded with two tries. Captain Taine Withy skipped over for a try as well.
His older brothers, Sean and Aaron, were in the crowd watching. They both captained the First XV as well.
Otago Boys’ dominated the interschool, winning 11 of the 12 fixtures.
Southland Boys’ secured its only win in the clay target shooting.
