GPS First XV Rugby 2021: Flanker Xavier Smith-Power rates among best debutants in coach Mike Wallace’s memory
OUTSIDE backs scored nine of 11 tries in a big win over BGS but an unknown forward hailing from a tiny country Queensland town of 46 people blew his coach away with a spectacular debut.
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THE Southport School blasted 11 tries through the defence of Brisbane Grammar School to start the 2021 GPS First XV rugby season with a bang.
Nine of those were scored in the outside backs as Blake Raymond (four), Jye Gray (two) and Jack Denson (three) blitzed BGS 71-5.
It was a special day for Denson especially as he made his comeback from an ACL injury that ruled him out of the bulk of last season.
“That was terrific for Jack,” coach Mike Wallace said.
“He’s a fantastic player and he’s always had the ability.
“It’s nice to see him be rewarded for his hard work in getting fit and through his rehab so quickly.”
Flyhalf Syris Schmidt played his best game in three years in the First XV while centre Kaleb Ngamanu’s improved playmaking skills caused havoc with the opposition defence.
“That’s been a big challenge for Kaleb over the past few years, to add more to his game than being an edge player in rugby league,” Wallace said.
“He’s worked really hard at his game and he led the team well.”
Wallace saved his highest praise for a rookie flanker hailing from a Darling Downs township, population 46.
Flanker Xavier Smith-Power, from Kurumbul, 30 minutes east of Goondiwindi, was a key operator in the lineout and in the loose.
“He had one of the better First XV debuts I’d seen,” the veteran coach said.
“He’s a young man who works incredibly hard. Big engine.”
TSS WARY OF BRISBANE GRAMMAR CHALLENGE
- Nic Darveniza, July 17 2021
THE Southport School’s First XV rugby team is expecting its toughest clash against Brisbane Grammar School in 10 years when the Light-Dark Blue roll down the M1 for the 2021 GPS Rugby season opener.
TSS’ visitors have a strong spine with four Queensland Schoolboys representatives, at lock, No.8, and both centres, and will be coached by former Queensland Reds head coach Phil Mooney.
For the first time GPS rugby will be livestreamed on Cluch.Tv, not Youtube or Facebook. Supporters can sign up for free at www.Cluch.tv to watch every minute of the season.
“It would be very nice to come away with a win but if we are successful we’re going to have to work incredibly hard and improve on what we showed in the trials,” coach Mike Wallace said.
“Our game plan hasn’t changed in 12 years: Rugby should be good to watch and fun to play and if we’re not ticking those two boxes we’re doing it wrong.”
Third-year flyhalf Syris Schmidt has been honoured as School captain of rugby while third-year centre Kaleb Ngamanu has scored the First XV captaincy with Schmidt and Queensland Schoolboys prop Massimo de Lutiis his vice-captains.
The forward pack will again be a source of strength for TSS with returning props Carsen Patu and de Lutiis rated the best in their positions in the state.
A strong regional flavour will be present in the scrum also with locks Hunter Dalzell and Jock McCormack and flankers Xavier-Smith Power and Rhys Radel all members of the school’s boarding house.
Exciting fullback Jye Grey missed the entirety of last season with a hand injury but found form in the elite Mal Meninga Cup Under-18s competition with Burleigh Bears, where he forged a strong partnership with schoolmate Syris Schmidt.
No.8 Nick Hilton, a Titans-contracted wrecking ball, will take the next step in his second of three seasons in the First XV after a raw debut last year hinted at his immense potential.
With preparations largely uninterrupted by Covid-19 TSS will battle for the school’s first GPS premiership since Zane Nonggorr raised the trophy in 2019.
Although external expectations are high, coach Mike Wallace has simpler goals for the First XV of 2021.
“Our team goal is to ensure the boys are competitive and really enjoy the process of playing schoolboy rugby,” he said.
“The key for us is constant improvement and challenging the boys to be better every week.
“Even if they win we’ve got to identify the areas they did well and where they can improve, and that is exactly the same after a loss.”
TSS were struck by the worst injury bug of Wallace’s coaching career last year but have emerged from pre-season mostly unscathed this year.
Reserve halfback Cody Wood will miss the season after an unfortunate knee injury leaving depth thin behind starter Fraser Cowan.
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