On a typical winter’s day at Potchefstroom Boys High, an atypical sight of New-Zealand schoolboy rugby players doing their rendition of the Haka at full cry greeted the local boys in navy blue and orange.
A sense of anticipation filled the air before the kickoff to this monumental SA vs NZ match at schoolboy level. Potchefstroom Boys High clashed with Tauhara College from Taupo in a one-off encounter on Monday.
The score line was 35-12 in Tauhara’s favour in a very competitive encounter as the score of 12-12 at half-time shows, but this match meant more than the final result – friendships were built, culture and tradition were instilled and rugby was the biggest winner at the end of the day.
Interestingly, there are a number of Potchefstroom and South African connections in the Tauhara College setup with the manager of the team, Malcolm Macdonald, an ex-Boys High learner (Class of 1985) organising the tour. His son, Dylan, was also the captain of the Tauhara College first XV for the tour, while the eighth man, Saxon Hunter is also an ex-South African who led the charge on the field with two tries on the day.
Tauhara College is in Potchefstroom and part of the Vaal Triangle on a three- week trip when, according to coach, Phill Andrews, the main aim is to educate the boys about SA’s culture, sport and education. ‘You can see the culture is not just about rugby but also about making friends from all around the world.’
Macdonald added that not a lot has changed at the school since he was there, in terms of the sportsmanship and culture at the school.
‘It’s awesome. It’s a bit of a blast from the past for me.
The great thing is how the boys have embraced the culture over here in South Africa Z really a trip of a lifetime for them.’
According to Dylan Macdonald, captain of Tauhara College’s first XV, the experience has been unforgettable with vastly different conditions and rugby styles being a real challenge.
‘The ground is a lot harder, making for more physical clashes but it has been really enjoyable to experience a different culture,’ said Dylan.
Tauhara College next plays Vereeniging Gimnasium in Vereeniging on Saturday to end off their tour.
Points:
Tauhara College: 35 (12)
Tries: Saxon Hunter (2), Tayhn Walden, Patrick Anderson, Jacob Tuicena, Tre Walters-Grace
Conversions: Keith Andrews (2)
Penalties: Andrews
Potchefstroom Boys High: 12 (12)
Tries: Prince Makaza, M Morapedi
