The team is undefeated in the Otago Premier School Rugby competition this season but that will count for nothing if it slips up in the final against Waitaki Boys’ High School at Forsyth Barr Stadium tomorrow afternoon.
McGlashan thumped Waitaki Boys’ 52-5 early last month but coach John Kyle has had no trouble keeping his charges grounded.
"We looked to play quite a quick game against them last time and were able to crack their defensive line here and there and get away," Kyle said.
"That was great, but I suspect it will be a lot more challenging this time. Any time you play in a final, it is always a tough task."
McGlashan has an expansive game plan and the team looks to keep everyone involved. But there are some real standouts and captain Rory Ferguson certainly fits into that category.
The talented No8 has signed a two-year deal with the Brisbane Broncos rugby league club and will leave the sport at the end of the school year.
Locks Woody Kirkwood and Samuel Moir are key players in the pack, while in the backs Luke Jarvie has performed well in his first year in the pivot’s role and centre Jimmie Sinclair is deceptively quick, "He can turn a half opportunity into a complete one just by using his pace and his running lines," Kyle said.
For Waitaki captain Josh Hayward, claiming provincial bragging rights would be a major achievement for the school.
"It’s definitely a big achievement to get to this point," Hayward said.
"Our goal was to get to this final. We’ve achieved that, but now we’re focused on going one step further and winning it."
Waitaki rolled through the competition with just two losses, both to McGlashan. But Hayward is confident the Oamaru underdogs will have more bite in the final.
"McGlashan were magnificent last time. We were a bit shell-shocked, I think. But the boys can get up for the big games. We did that for the Blood Match [against rival St Kevin’s College], and we can do that for this game."
Waitaki builds a lot of its play around its big, aggressive forward pack.
Hayward joins abrasive flanker Sailosi Vea and bullocking No8 Maka Mafileo in a dynamic loose forward trio, and Kafa Katoa powers a consistent tight five.
Halfback Kieran McClea and fullback Bryden Skinner offer dash and guile, while centre Funaki Lavemai can be a game-breaker.
Hayward said his team-mates were eagerly awaiting a rare chance to play on the Highlanders’ home ground.
"It’s a great opportunity to play in a world-class stadium.
"We were really excited to get the news. I think the boys will really express themselves.’’
Otago Premier School Rugby final
Forsyth Barr Stadium, 3pm
John McGlashan College: Ryan Neil, Charlie Baker, Jimmie Sinclair, Angus Simmers, George Russell, Luke Jarvie, Ethan Jane, Rory Ferguson (captain), Henry Bell, Leroy Ferguson, Woody Kirkwood, Samuel Moir, Reon Lowery, Brett Kingsbury, Jackson Dempster. Reserves: Liam Hickman, Harrison Lawrence, Ben Morris, Morgan Jones, Tom Mee or Peter Sangster, Ness Scully, Hunter Cleland.
Waitaki Boys’ High School: Bryden Skinner, Joseph Siale, Funaki Lavemai, Mason Kinzett, Jacob Tuisani, Daniel Halaholo, Kieran McClea, Maka Mafileo, Sailosi Vea, Josh Hayward (captain), Russell Beattie, Paddy Henwood, George Campbell, Kafa Katoa, Peter Armstrong. Reserves: Scott Hawkins, Jake Gawn, Brady Mercer, Sam Tiffen, Jake Matthews, Josh Gregory-Hunt, Sione Alofi.