The Otago Boys’ High School First XV have been undefeated for 60 consecutive matches against Highlanders schools’ opponents. They have attended the National Top Four three times in the last four years and since 2011 had more players selected for the New Zealand Secondary Schools’ and Barbarians teams than any other college in the country. Despite these outstanding achievements National supremacy has remained elusive and 2015 NZ Schools’ halfback Tim Hogan is hungry for more.
“We got pretty close to winning the Top Four last year. Not sticking to our structures at all times was costly,” Hogan reflects.
Otago lost 35-27 in the semi-finals to Scots College and were beaten in the playoff for third by St. Kentigern College 31-27. In both matches Otago conceded tries in the last minute. Hogan believes Otago was stung by “X factor” players. He identifies Scots and NZ Schools’ second-five Thomas Umaga-Jensen as the toughest person he has played in First XV rugby.
Historically Southland BHS have been one of Otago’s toughest opponents. On Wednesday the 102nd annual traditional fixture is played between the schools. Southland enjoys a 47-42 winning advantage with 12 games drawn, including the 2015 encounter (21-21).
In recent times this game has been the benchmark indictor for the Highlanders region and Hogan expects 2016 will be no different.
“I think if we shutdown their key players and stick to our defense structures we will be fine, but it will be tough,” Hogan concedes.
Kaleb Talamahina (fullback), Flynn Thomas (hooker) and Mitch Taylor (first-five) are just three key players Hogan recognises as threats.
Hogan describes Otago’s form as “hot and cold” in 2016. Otago plays in the Premier Colts competition and have dropped four games out of five. Southland by contrast have won three out of five.
“We have been trying a lot of new combinations and we had a big win over King’s in our first interschool last week. I am confident we have the goods,” Hogan insists.
“In last year’s South Island final we beat St. Bede’s by 42-10. That was a great game. We defended really strongly and the boys just clicked. We are looking to reach that level.”
Sione Asi (prop), George Thomas (centre), Isi Tuivaga (loose forward) and Hogan shape as Otago’s key players. Asi is a huge prop who has twice been selected for the Barbarians while Hogan appeared in all four New Zealand Schools matches last year. He is determined to improve on many aspects of his game.
“This year I have been looking to run more and increase my speed to the ruck and the speed of my pass. My favourite halfbacks are Aaron Smith and Josh Renton,” he says.
Hogan originally hails from Invercargill before moving with his family to Cromwell. He has played second-five, centre, lock and flanker in his time.
Otago BHS v Southland BHS kicks off at 12:30 pm on Wednesday at Littlebourne. It will be broadcast live on Land Rover First XV rugby.