On Wednesday 28th June a unique opportunity presented itself to Christchurch Boys' High School Rugby as Blackrock College (Ireland) faced off against School in a 2nd XV fixture followed by the two 1st XVs going head to head.

Blackrock College is a traditional rugby school having won the Leinster Schools Cup a record 68 times arguably making them the number 1 school in the country and producing perhaps the most notable international rugby player in the northern hemisphere Brian O'Driscoll who played 141 Test Matches for Ireland making him the 2nd most Test-Capped rugby player in the history of the game.

This was going to be a mammoth occasion for both schools as New Zealand and Ireland school pride & history was all to be put on the line.

The opening match saw the CBHS 2nd XV dominate early proceedings and open the scoring with a well executed try down the left flank. Blackrock 2nd XV responded, scoring a try from a strong set piece movement to level the scores. Both teams had their moments throughout the match but in the end, CBHS took the spoils 30-17. First Five Rico Syme was instrumental in ensuring the CBHS attack was on point throughout the 70 minutes.

The second match of the day kicked off at 2.10pm, Blackrock 1st XV were greeted to a large amount of Blue&Black support as students made their way over to the grandstand. However, Blackrock was not to be intimidated and quickly went to work building an impressive 11-0 lead that they held midway through the second half. However as has often been the case this season the CBHS 1st XV started a late surge and proceeded to dominate the final 20 minutes in what can only be described as ruthless up-tempo attack, Corban Harding, Ryan Barnes x2 and Latham Kelly-Foleni were the try scorers as School pilled on 30 points to take the win 30-14. The game was played to an unbelievable high standard that was both physical and entertaining, both sides deserved credit in the way they played the game.

Blackrock College now travels north as they continue their Tour of New Zealand. They play fixtures against St Bernard's College, Palmerston North Boys' High School, Lindisfarne College and Dilworth School.

Christchurch Boys' High School would like to thank Blackrock College for the exchange and wish them all the best for the remainder of the tour. A big thank you to all the CBHS families that billeted the Blackrock students for the two nights they were here in Christchurch