Rugby Caps

Liam Allen (22 games for the 1st XV) has had a disruptive season this year due to injury, but his presence on the field and the leadership he shows, have always made a difference to the performance of the team. Some of the attributes that characterise his game are powerful running, excellent catching skills when receiving kick-offs or in lineouts, speed and increasing game sense. This helps him to be an exceptional carrier of the ball. He is also a very accurate and devastating tackler. Liam is a seventy-minute player, whose passion and dedication epitomize the quintessential team man that he is. Liam’s hard work has paid off recently by his being selected for the Chiefs U18 camp.

Temple Beauchamp (22 games for the 1st XV) made his debut for the 1st XV in 2017 after displaying strong performances in early pre-season games. He is a man of few words, who quietly goes about his work and works hard to improve his game. Temple played mostly on the wing last year, but this year has shown enough skill and rugby ability to have played mostly in the mid-field. Known for his strong ball carries, speed and reliable defence, Temple is having an excellent season in 2018 and will be a crucial member of the 1st XV heading into the business part of the season.

Tepaea Cook-Savage (26 games) is in his second season with the 1st XV. Naturally gifted as a rugby player, he has played both fullback and 1st 5/8, showing real ability. Tepaea is a courageous player, has an exceptional work ethic and a desire to improve his game. A great team man, who can be relied upon week in, week out, to perform to the best of his ability. He is an integral part of the 2018 team and has been rewarded with selection for this year’s Chiefs U18 camp.

Daniel Johnson (23 Games) is a senior leader in the 1st XV this year and has captained the side on a number of occasions. He is an extremely tough and uncompromising player, and this has led to him being a formidable foe for most opposition players. He is aggressive with ball in hand and is great at the cleanout and on defence. Daniel rarely misses a training and is a perfect role model for any 1st XV forward. Daniel is certainly one to watch for the future and his hard work has paid off with a Chiefs U18 camp selection.

Brigham Moeakiola (23 games) is developing nicely into a traditional Kiwi number 8. He is big and powerful but possesses a lethal turn of speed. Some of the attributes that characterise his game are having a powerful leg drive, speed and great attacking running lines. This helps him to be an exceptional carrier of the ball and can be a real handful for unsuspecting defences. Brigham is a player who will continue to get better as he gets older.

Will Porritt (23 games) has grown immensely as a player over the last 12 months. He is now a powerhouse in the middle of the scrum and lineout and has a huge work rate during the game. Will is valuable as a ball carrier and is resolute on defence, often leading the defensive line up. His training ethic is impressive, and he is rarely unavailable for selection due to his fitness and desire to just get out and play. If he wishes, Will has enough ability to go a long way in the game.

Mercedes Hodge (20 games) – as Year 12 student, Mercedes is in his second season with the 1st XV. He has shown enough skill and rugby ability to be a very promising 1st 5/8 or fullback. He has the rare ability to beat an opposition player with ease, has a big boot on him and is growing in his confidence to run a game. Mercedes is also learning how to train properly and as such, is becoming a very important starting member of the St Paul’s 1st XV. He has the desire to go as far as he can in rugby and this year has gone very close to being selected for the Chiefs U18 camp.

Connor Downey (21 games) made his 1st XV debut in 2017 and fully deserves his cap after two seasons of consistent service. Initially, Connor struggled to find a starting spot in2017, kept out of the number 9 jersey by a very talented Luke Donaldson. However, whenever he got his chance to get on the field, he made the most of his opportunities and made sure that he was the obvious number one choice for halfback this year. From Day One of this season, Connor has shown an impressive work ethic in training, has worked hard to correct his weaknesses, and has played an important role as a member of the team’s leadership group. Known for his quick, long pass, snipping runs and excellent left foot box kicking, Connor is also a very strong defender. He is a good, honest, hardworking young man, who fully deserves his Cap.