The school’s first XV has now qualified for the national secondary schools competition every year since 2019, with the exception of 2020 and 2021 when it was not held.
Head coach Angelene Sisifa said the achievement was never taken for granted.
“We know that there’s a legacy of success that precedes us, but we take every opportunity to compete seriously,” she said.
"We are absolutely ecstatic about making it through to Top 4.”
Girls’ High were largely untroubled on their path to the final, beating Avonside Girls’ 79-5 to claim their 11th consecutive Miles Toyota Cup as Canterbury’s top school.
Against southern champions St Hilda’s they had to dig deeper, leading just 22–12 at half-time.
Sisifa said she believed the way her side pulled through that period, before piling on 53 unanswered points in the second half, made it their best performance of the season.
“Our team learned things about themselves that couldn't have been learned in any other situation,” she said.
“The space the students have created for each other is one where regardless of the hardship and struggles, this space is one they hold in high regard and will sacrifice everything for.”
Sisifa said focus would be critical heading into the competition.
“It only takes one moment for the momentum to shift, so we have learned to remain focused on the task at hand.
“Believing in ourselves is crucial, but doubt often creeps in when we make mistakes, so the challenge is learning how to let go of those moments quickly.”
She said representing not just the school, but Canterbury and the South Island, was especially meaningful.
“It’s easy to overlook it as we get caught up in thinking about what’s next. But it’s important to pause, take it in, and remember how meaningful this is.”
The Top 4 will take place next Friday and Sunday in Palmerston North.
