When Jack Caulton, who travelled to Melbourne in April to take part in an ANZAC invitational rugby carnival, was asked about the highlight of the tour, he said with a grin, “It was winning.’’ But the tournament was not just about winning. It was an opportunity for the 24 boys on the tour to play rugby against Australian teams. Captain Ngatungane Punivai says, “We weren’t quite sure what to expect when we got there and the next day we were really into it, playing three games in one day. One of these was against St Kevin’s who are the top team in Melbourne. They were the most talked-up team, so we were absolutely stoked when we won.’’ Coach Mr Neil Nicholson says, “The grounds and facilities at St Kevin’s were incredible. They spend $100,000 a year on the playing fields alone and they resembled bowling greens. The boys found them wonderful to play on. “The draw had us playing three 40-minute games,’’ he says. “We started with Hale from Perth, and managed to defeat them 14-nil. After a 40-minute break,
we played back-to-back games against firstly Trinity College, which we managed to despatch 32-nil. Then we came up against St Kevin’s in a very physical game, which, after being 12-all at half- time, we managed to win 19-17. ‘’Playing out of position, both Angus Darling and captain Ngatungane Punivai played exceptionally well, supported by Kit Hutchinson, Sam Hargreaves and Matt McKellar. Joe Wilkinson also played very well throughout the three games, and was named player of the day by the St Kevin’s Headmaster,’’ says Mr Nicholson.
On Friday the team trained with the Melbourne Rebels, a Super 15 rugby team.
Ngatungane says, “It was a really cool experience because they were all so down-to-earth and friendly, and they gave us lots of tips on general play. We spent a couple of hours watching them play, then had the skills session. It was great to socialise with them and to find out more about what it is like to be in their industry.’’
On Saturday, College played the hosts Melbourne Grammar in the semi-final.
Christ’s College Canterbury
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