GPS First XV: Six things we learned, round 2
What were six things we learned from an extraordinary round 2 of GPS First XV rugby? We’ll give you one straight up - the premiership race is wide open. More here.
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Round 2 of GPS First XV rugby saw two extraordinary results - plus St Joseph’s Gregory Terrace win two matches in a row and a depleted BBC rise in defeat to Nudgee.
So what are the six key things learned from the four games played on Sunday?
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CHURCHIE’S WOW FACTOR
Well, well, well - looks who’s back in business.
Churchie’s stunning 34-29 season opening victory over joint premiership favourites The Southport School has thrown a cat among the pigeons - while inflating tremendous interest across the army of Churchie supporters - past and present.
We got the tip from within the Brisbane Boys College that Churchie were a good side after Churchie’s trial win over BBC.
But you go broke backing trial form, and did anyone from outside Churchie really see yesterday’s win over TSS coming?
But coach Ryan Schultz has a rugby team on their hands, led by forward leader Max Craig, lock Charlie Brosnan, second season First XV backrower Tom Stoddart and No. 8 Jock McPherson who was among his team’s best.
Two interesting backline players are, Will Herbert and Zack Lamont, teammates at - Brisbane Tigers (Easts) rugby league club.
A boarder, Herbert is held in high regard by NRL talent scouts, while Lamont is a class player who will guide his hard working pack around.
They are six players, but what coach Schultz has here is a 15 man team. Watch this space as the season unfolds.
BRISBANE GRAMMAR’S COMEBACK FOR THE AGES
How do you turn a round one 71-5 loss into a second round win?
Here are two words - hard work.
It was hard work on the training paddock and hard work on the field which led to the victory over Ipswich Grammar School.
Like Churchie’s victory over TSS, no one saw BGS’s recovering to win coming.
“It took a bit of character and they showed they’ve got it,’’ said coach Phil Mooney.
For Mooney, his coaching staff and the players, 2021 is all about restoring respect.
Brisbane Grammar is one of the most famous rugby nurseries in world rugby, but in recent seasons BGS have struggled.
Saturday’s win is a tremendous injection in confidence and if they confront Brisbane State High School with similar commitment, there is no reason they squad cannot continue to earn back respect.
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PLAYERS TO WATCH - SEASON 2021
TIME TO MOBILISE THE RED, BLACK, RED ARMY.
Round 2 was like a trip down memory lane for rugby pursuits - Churchie beating TSS, Brisbane Grammar School winning - and St Joseph’s Gregory Terrace scoring its second successive victory to start the season.
All three are powerhouses from yesteryear, but how joyful it is to see their respective flags flying high to start the GPS season.
A surprisingly small crowd was on hand to watch Terrace beat BSHS 20-5, but expect the old boys to come out of the woodwork and the junior players to hang around longer to cheer Terrace onto the field in coming weeks.
Saturday’s clash against Brisbane Boys College at Brisbane Boys College will be a big test.
JOE LIDDY IS GOOD
How good is the Terrace captain Joe Liddy? Very good.
He does everything other than peel the oranges for teammates to suck on at halftime - but even then he has probably tendered to the orange grove in the lead-up to matches.
Don’t get me wrong. He has helpers and that was evident yesterday when the front rower engineered two tight head wins, when Angus Munn and PJ Su’a ran with gusto, halfback Archie Xavier delivered the goods and No. 12 Will Hancock laid a platform off the ruck.
Josiah Harrison-Leaunoa’s contribution at the back in the wind did not go unnoticed either.
But Liddy is indeed an inspiring leader.
THE BLUE AND WHITE WALL IS BACK
Nudgee spent the majority of a half defending their line against one of the more attacking sides in the competition. They leaked just one try during the barrage and came up with crucial turnovers to win the game.
BBC’s DRIVING MAUL UNMATCHED
The BBC forward pack have now produced two tries directly from their driving maul one against TGS and the other Nudgee.
In both cases they travelled about 15 metres and it won’t be the last time they use it.
Brisbane Boys College displayed plenty of steel to rise to the occasion in defeat at Ross Oval.
BBC lost, but without Taj Annan and minus influential flanker Zac Hough for the second half, BBC players did their jersey and community proud.
FOOTNOTE: The www.couriermail.com.au and Gold Coast Bulletin’s coverage of the GPS First XV season will continue when we name the Team of the Week, and also each Saturday afternoon.
ROUND 3
TGS v Nudgee
IGS v Churchie
BBC v Terrace
BSHS v BGS
TSS bye
In other news, for round 3 First XV rugby will return to the Brisbane State High School’s home campus in South Brisbane on July 31 as part of State High Day celebrations.
The community is gearing up for a celebration of blue-red-blue when the BSHS Parents and Citizen’s Association host the third State High Day at the upper campus, Vulture and Edmondstone Streets.
Sporting highlights include:
11am: senior girls Firsts’ basketball
1pm: Senior boys basketball
2.15pm: First XV rugby v BGS
“We are pumped to do our school, our friends, families and alumni proud, especially on the 100th anniversary. It will be great to have heaps of supporters along to make some noise.” said First XV captain Luke Hatherell.
But sport is only a portion of the entertainment.
Around hotly contested GPS centenary sporting rounds there will be buskers, bands and music.
Raggazi choirs, the BSHS chorale, State High Girls Crew and Bollywood dance displays will feature, along with a marvel market, student led museum tours and a food festival - all between 10:30am and 5:30pm.
The finale will feature DJs, live entertainment and fireworks at 5.20pm.
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