HS Top 200’s Top 5 Back 3 of 2018

Christchurch BHS

From one of the best back lines in the country I think Christchurch BHS have the best Back 3 in the country. They do have some changing around to do this year  because they have two very good Fullbacks who can both run and kick, so this is what I would do in that situation. I would have Max Huges start at Fullback, Max also could start for almost every team in the country right as a Half Back but is behind Louie so he plays Fullback/Wing right now but I would have him start at Fullback over Ryan. This is why I would have it this way is because I think that Ryan would be a way better Winger then Max would but they sort of even out when it comes to Fullback. Ryan is the better Fullback but to have Ryan be the Winger cause he is better then Max I would have it that way around. Brigham Riwai-Couch gets that other Wingers spot even though there are other choices his seniority and experience will get him there. From these 3 you could expect to get a lot of running rugby, wide open space breaks and very good defence led by speed.

Kings College 

These guys have some real talented players that have made some real big strides in the last year playing 1A Rugby. First you have Isa’ako Enosa a 3rd year player in the 1st XV and has a lot of different skills to his game and can really play every position. I have seen him play every position the last 2 years and he has held himself well every time. Epeli Ula a very handy winger to have on the edge is a very heavy runner and can draw defences to him. Epeli has that way about him that he can beat whoever is in front of him and it works for him and what he wants done. Isa’ako and Epeli will have to work together to get back on kicks going deep and getting themselves into position where they can make a difference on the returns. They have Aiden Morgan who to me is an up and coming Super Star and could even put his hand up for National Rep honors this year. Aiden is very determined in the air and get’s himself into the best place on the field to make a play. Aiden was one of the only Year 11’s last year in the U18 Blues and Chiefs game and so you know he’s going to get better over this year.

Gisborne BHS 

The boys from Gizzy are young but very talented and have been in the Hurricanes U16 and U17 Reps over the last few years. All 3 have shown that they can play above their age and be just as effective as anyone else in the game. They bring an exciting brand of running rugby where they look to get into space, fly around the field and use foot work double rounds to get into the open. They have an ok kicking game but better at shutting down on defence which makes things even better for a team that plays with aggression. Moses Christie on the wing I think has real good outside speed and with his foot work makes everything look so easy. Campbell has that strong style of game that he likes to also use foot work but with power packed behind it. Braedy Grant I think will fill in at Fullback, manage the backs form on defence and lead an attack on offence with his freestyle running. Look for this Back 3 to score some long tries from 22 to the try line cause they have that caliber level talent.

Dilworth School

Dilworth School is not one of the schools from the 1A Comp that is talked about a lot but I think this Back 3 could be one to watch. I know that players come and go year to year so it could change but what they worked with last year I think could come right into the Comp and run teams off the park. David Nanai at Fullback is going to be a player to keep an eye out for this year. His detail to finding gaps and just running through them is fantastic to watch. He is very strong as a runner and can really create a lot off him breaking the line and then looking for that off load and winger taking it another 10-20 meters. I would look for Tyrone Mafi as one of those wingers, he is a very underrated player, very quick and has some quick feet. Tyrone will have also Lolomana’ia Liava’a who is such a strong runner and very physical and I could see them move him to Center but if he is still on the wing this year he is going to be very hard to put down.

St Kentigern College 

I have to go with St Kentigern College again and showcase what kind of weapons they have in the back field this year. The main one to watch for is Peni Lasaqa Jr at Fullback, he showed what he could do at 7’s last year and I think he will be trouble for a lot of players to mark. I really think that Peni’s foot work can almost match that of Etene’s and I said that last year as well cause I have seen him do it as well. Peni will be the one that controls the movements in the back and he’ll have Benji Pauga and Jona Mataiciwa to back him up. Benji and Jona are very different players size wise and style wise. Benji has a smooth way in the way he plays, very lite on his feet and is very quick off the mark. Jona is a “Monster” in Blue and White hoops, he is very big and very strong as well and I can see him crushing dudes this year if you dont shut him down early.

Rotorua BHS
Hamilton BHS
Hastings BHS
Otago BHS
MAGS