TSS backline sensation Jojo Fifita scores four in front of Wallabies coach

COVID-19 restrictions are so tight in the GPS competition that only two parents or guardians per player are permitted to watch each game. That rule was bent for the incoming Wallabies coach

The Southport School’s Jojo Fifita scored four tries in a 49-19 GPS rugby season-opener against Brisbane State High School in front of just one spectator: Wallabies coach Dave Rennie.

COVID-19 restrictions are so tight in the GPS schoolboy sporting competitions that only two parents or guardians per player are permitted to watch each game.

That rule was bent so the incoming Wallabies coach could observe the action in his first rugby match as an adopted Queenslander.

Not even TSS coach and school boarding master Mike Wallace was able to attend the game after one of his children developed a cold that had to be tested for coronavirus.

Director of rugby Adrian Blundell took over the First XV’s coaching reigns in Wallace’s absence.

TSS didn’t miss a step, with four tries to outside centre Fifita and a double to red-hot prop Carsen Patu dealing most of the damage.

JoJo Fifita, The Southport School. TGS vs The Southport School, GPS rugby union. Saturday, 10th Aug, 2019.

Beau Arscott and Fraser Cowan also crossed the line while flyhalf Syris Schmidt potted a penalty goal and three conversions for a nine-point individual haul.

Wallace said Rennie would have been pleased by the quality of play from both teams.

“I think Dave was impressed with the fact that schoolboy rugby is at a high standard,” Wallace said.

“It’s easy to sit back and talk doom and gloom, but it’s also pretty good when you turn up and watch two good teams have a crack at each other.

“Jojo scored four tries but those four were some pretty good build-up by the whole group, complemented by Jojo’s ability to finish.

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“We were better than we were against Churchie (last week) which was pleasing.

“All we can ask is to continue to learn and try to improve.

“The coaching staff in my absence did a fantastic job.”

With no spectators and livestream available TSS students had no way to watch their First XV’s first win of the season but that will change next week.

Southport will host Toowoomba Grammar School next Saturday with a livestreamed First XV fixture the only chance to spectate the match unless you have a son in the matchday 23.