Tour of New Zealand – The Story So Far

New Zealand is the place to be at the moment if you are a rugby enthusiast!  I report that our Senior Rugby Squad are enjoying the experience. The tour has provided the boys with a platform for development and learning on and off the pitch.

3 Schools have been visited so far – Christchurch Boys, St. Bernard’s and Palmerstown North Boys High School (PNBHS). The score card is positive. The opening matches in Christchurch were tricky with both our teams fading late in the game to lose 31-14 (1^st  xv) and 27-15 (2^nd  xv). Jet lag may have been a factor as we were in contention in both games until the last 10 minutes. At St. Bernard’s both games were won comfortably, 43-0 (1^st xv) and 48-12 (2^nd xv), and so to the challenge of PNBHS.

As expected, this was a stern test but once again both sides proved successful 22-5 (1^st xv) and 17-12 (2^nd xv).

The local newspaper reported:

“Blackrock, a school from just south of Dublin, were a polished team and played well tactically. They were good at the breakdown, had a good set piece and used their lineout drive effectively.”

I thank each of the schools for their welcome and hospitality.