GPS Rugby 2019: Glen and David Vaihu on mission to save Gregory Terrace season

Gregory Terrace have lost four First XV matches in a row but coaches hope the selection of brothers Glen and David Vaihu in the centres can inspire their school to their first win of the season.

SIBLING rivalry has driven Gregory Terrace’s 2019 centre combination all their lives but Glen and David Vaihu hope their brotherly connection can inspire their school to a maiden First XV win tomorrow.

This season has been the first the Vaihus have ever played as teammates but their time as opposites growing up has forged a deep understanding between them.

Glen, 18, and David, 16, are the youngest of four brothers in the family so their backyard battles saw them divided, middle kids Sau and Glen against David and eldest Hale.

GPS Rugby: Gregory Terrace v Brisbane State High Gregory Terrace 1st XV players and brothers David and Glen Vaihu. Saturday 10th August 2019. (AAP Image - Richard Waugh)

Those daily skirmishes taught the siblings to punch above their weight against their elder brothers but also to analyse the subtle clues revealing when they would run, pass or kick.

That understanding paid dividends when an injury to regular No.12 Jordyn Bell thrust David into that unfamiliar role after debuting on the wing.

David’s undeniable chemistry with outside centre Glen is one reason why Gregory Terrace are hopeful their first win of the season is just hours away.

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● STORY: Attitude impressing TSS coach, not results

“It helps me a lot just knowing how Glen plays because I’m able to adapt to it,” David said.

“He’s so dangerous in attack because you can never predict what he’s going to do, unless you’re me.

“I can just read him bouncing out, or know when to hit him with the ball because I never need to tell him anything, it just comes naturally to us.”

Softly-spoken Glen was selected in the Courier-Mail’s Terrace team of the decade for his blazing speed and footwork showcased over three seasons in the First XV.

Gregory Terrace centre Glen Vaihu breaks through the tunnel before playing Nudgee College. Picture: AAP/John Gass

Gregory Terrace centre David Vaihu steps through the Brisbane State High defence. Picture: AAP/Richard Waugh

David, described by himself as the “more built, more manly” of the Vaihus but a “gee up” by Glen, is proving a capable foil to his older brother, on and off the field.

“David’s running game is strong and he’s continually improving at finding holes and breaking the line,” Glen said.

“He weighs in more than me so who knows who is really the big brother.

“We’ve always been a bit competitive but we teach other moves like chip kicks and kicking when we see holes.

“Our connection has helped us massively because he’s a big influence on the team and so am I.”

ROUND FOUR MATCH REPORTS:

● GT v BSHS: State High deny Terrace fightback

● IGS v NC: Third XV winger steps up to save Nudgee’s season

● TGS v TSS: Reds duo inspire TSS to monster win

The brothers’ competitive spirit is helping to push each other to greater heights, which should rightly worry oppositions as Terrace enter the back half of their season.

Facing off against winless Churchie is no simple task because Terrace’s preparations have been severely disrupted this week.

Younger members of the team were away for a week-long leadership camp while the school formal and QCS practice has derailed training for seniors in the team.

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Injury to Queensland Schoolboys flyhalf Patrick Elekana and the non-selection of fellow rep lock Xavier Boyle complicates matter but you won’t find any excuses being made in the playing group.

Gregory Terrace lock Xavier Boyle on the charge for the Queensland Schoolboys in Sydney before the GPS schools rugby season kicks off. Photo by Paul Seiser, SPA Images.

“A win would be pretty huge,” Glen said.

“We haven’t got a win yet but if we take this first we’ll build off this performance and hopefully keep the ball rolling.

“There have been some disruptions but we won’t let that be an excuse. We’re going to play what’s in front of us and play to win because everyone knows their role.”