News

By Bruce Holloway and Adam Julian

[Pukekohe photo credit: Shannon Wharfe]

Pukekohe High School have upset Wesley College for the second time in three years to qualify as Counties Manukau representatives in the Chiefs regional First XV rugby top four playoffs.

In a colossal battle at Massey Park on Saturday Pukekohe beat their near neighbours 10-5, regaining the Counties Cup in the process and prompting schoolboy rugby followers everywhere to suddenly sit up and take note.

The last school to genuinely challenge Wesley’s traditional superiority in Counties Manukau was Manurewa High School more than a decade ago, but co-educational Pukekohe - school roll 1850 - might now be readjusting that pecking order.

In 2022 it was a seismic shock when Pukekohe beat Wesley - who compete in the Central North Island Championship - 15-8 in the Chiefs qualifiers, before then losing 25-36 to New Plymouth Boys High. At the time Pukekohe competed in the Waikato Secondary Schools Division I competition, where they lost the final to Matamata College, 17-24.

But prior to that, you'd have to go all the way back to 1993 to find a similar result. That year Pukekohe beat the Jonah Lomu-captained Wesley 29-19 to win the Counties Manukau Championship, despite Wesley proceeding to win the National Top Four. But that was the last time they won the championship with Wesley in it.

This season it was slightly less of a surprise to see Pukekohe triumph, given they are also unbeaten and cruising seven points clear at the top of the 6-team Counties Manukau First XV Championship, with a game in hand.

And happily, Pukekohe are located just far enough to the south of Auckland to still be willing to talk to media.

"All wins are good, but some victories just mean that little bit more," reflected coach Tame Mark, in naming his stand-out players against Wesley as captain Timana Mark, vice-captain Damien Seuea and senior player Tommy Gibson.

"Last year we may have had more individually talented players but this year we have worked really hard collectively.

“This victory was a win for the team and the wider rugby community. Those who have paved the way for Pukekohe High School rugby to succeed over the years include our old boys, our many local business owners and supporters - many past students - who have been fantastic sponsors over the years.

"We've also had some great support from senior management including deputy principal Siosiua Pole, who is a massive supporter of rugby in our school."

But Pukekohe had to do it the hard way on Saturday, after Year 11 Tuku Levi opened the scoring with a try for Wesley.

Then in a tight tussle Pukekohe openside flanker Cohen Robinson levelled before half time and first-five Troy Oakes nailed a superb try late in the second spell to secure the historic victory.

On Saturday Pukekohe face Papakura High in an away top of the table clash at 12 noon, while in late August they will be back on the big stage in facing Bay of Plenty's regional winners in a Chiefs Cup semifinal.

Pukekohe have been on quite a journey to find the right competition to play in, and have been among those watching with interest at the possible evolution of an enlarged Auckland 1B competition.

But in the interim, they're quietly creating history in their own Counties-Manukau backyard.

Pukekohe have produced two All Blacks in Rod Ketels (1979-81, 158 games for Counties) and Mike Brewer, Otago and All Blacks captain from 1986 to 1995.  Chiefs lock Jimmy Tupou is another old boy.

Meanwhile Wesley coach Lawrence "Loz" Lawrence was disappointed in the result.

"But Pukekohe had a smart game plan and defended really well," he said. "We made some execution errors and were held up over the line a couple of times.

"We’ve still got a lot to play for. We’re fourth in the Central North Island, Feilding away will be a tough game and then it’s Francis Douglas at home.”