Kelston Boys’ High will contest the final of the World Schools Rugby Festival in Abu Dhabi.
Auckland and Blues region First XV champions Kelston Boys’ High will contest the final of the World Schools Rugby Festival in Abu Dhabi on Saturday night (NZ time) after a hard-fought 12-5 win over England’s Millfield School.
It meant Kelston topped Group A and now have a shot at bringing the trophy to New Zealand for a third successive year after triumphs by Hamilton Boys High in 2022 and Westlake Boys’ High in 2023.
But prospects of an all-New Zealand final were thwarted when South African champions Paul Roos Gymnasium defeated defending titleholders Westlake 11-7 in the final match in Group A overnight.
In a tight contest Kelston seldom managed the fluency of their previous wins, but established a third-minute lead over Millfield. Kelston’s forwards burrowed over after being camped near the goal line and after conferring with the touch judge, a critical try was awarded, with fullback Tyson Parsons converting.
Then despite having centre Koupa Nomotu in the bin for a dangerous tackle, Kelston established a 12-0 halftime lead when, in the final play of the spell, flanker Joseph Paiali’i made a bruising burst from a 10m lineout to score.
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