New Crop of Year 11 Talent of 2018 Part 2

Pic:  Monte Carlo Maynard

Here in New Zealand we dont struggle to find talent on the field and every year it seems like I go to a game and see and player and think “Man! Who is DIS KID RY HEA?!”. Every year there seems to be a Super Stars in the making starting their 1st XV careers and they just burst with talent with everything they do. This year is no different and honestly the talent is getting better and better every year I start Ranking the Top 60 Year 11’s, and this is what we have to look forward to this year. I will write up a few more like this so you can get to know the best up and coming Year 11’s in the country in 2018.

Monte Carlo Maynard Center (Kelston BHS)

Watching Monte back track for a kick gone over his head, casually pick it up, scan everyone coming for him, then after two steps “WACK!!” and he’s already past the first line of defence and in open field headed for 5 points. I think he has a different mindset then everyone else because of his skill set and what he can get away with on the run. He is very calm and makes good decisions and doesn’t push or force anything to happen. A very good chance to make this year count for him and showing what he can bring to the 1st XV for the future, and I would put my money on him to deliver.

Keanu Vanisi Open Side (Kings HS)

Last year I thought that Keanu was a Year 11 and he was in the Rankings and because I had seen some clips of him and his speed and size I didn’t question his Year 11 class. Then I was told he was still Year 10 and I apologized, took him off the Rankings where i had him at No.32 I think and then thought. “HOL UP?!!” watched his clips again running through tackles, long strides, big fends to the chest, 40m-50m breaks and off loads thinking this kid shouldn’t be this good at this age. Now Im VERY keen to see his progression from this off season and how he can add value to his 1st XV. I think Keanu is going to be a No.8 and one to watch for and under the post cause I think he’s going to “Rack” up some tries in his 1st XV career.

George Murray Open Side (Wellington College)

For me George is the kind of open side I like on my team. He stays true to his position and makes his core role his priority. What I find from players in 1st XV is that they try do to much at one time and they end up costing tries and games for their sides. George is a pure open side that can disrupt at the break down, tackle square on body and position himself to rip the ball and also keep the opposition honest around the rucks with his persistent energy to get to the ball. He will not make massive runs down the field thats not his game right now but he will make tackles when no one else can make them. I think Wellington College have something here in George and I look forward to seeing him take on the 7 Jersey this year.

Bono Napota 2nd 5/8 (Sacred Heart College)

Sacred Heart have a history in 1st XV rugby of having such elusive and physical midfielders and I think Bono is on his way to being that dude for Sacred Heart. A young player but has a lot going for him right now with his ability to not only straighten up and attack gaps in the line but also break them with an arm free looking to extend the play. Bono has foot work and doesnt over use it which is rare to see in young players, because boys that have good foot work over use and dont end up going forward they do 5 different moves but gain no meters. Bono a safe tackler that can tackle bigger players and will learn later how to guide runners into a turnover and once he has those extra skills we will be watching something special.

William Robinson Hooker (Napier BHS)

I do a lot of homework and research on players to find out and give me an idea of what to expect from a player and William has nothing but respect from those around him. William to me is a high Top 200 player in the making and I think with his already hard work off the field he is on his way to show us Star. Relentless and solid on defence with some heavy shoulders going in on the runners. His high level of fitness gives him that ability to make the extra play and then out hussle for the ball get turnovers and then run the field. William has an open field presence with ball in hand and could be like a Sam Cooper from St Pauls Collegiate last year who made NZSS, and if so that is a great path to be on.

Jonty Bird Prop (Scots College)

I think Jonty should have a warning sign on him for the opposition saying “Dont do it Brah!!” Now for a kid that played as a Year 10 in Scots College 1st XV and NOT get dominated as a front rower thats a beast right there. He is so big for someone so young that he over powers 18 year olds. Now that warning sign should be there this year and you can laugh at me if you want but hey run at him and remember “I told you so”. Jonty is going to have a year of reintroducing himself to that 1st XV level, finding his comfort zone and really figuring out where he can the best effect for his team. I think his overall play will get better carrying the ball, absorbing contact, resetting and then giving it back double time.