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I certainly don't know if the Iona First XV are mentally fragile or not, but the question as to whether they are better off playing SPC at home this weekend to seal the premiership, rather than away, is an interesting one. Normally playing at home is a significant advantage, but this week it's...

I'm not sure if you remember PH, but in the late 80's/early 90's TAS rugby teams did play two "home and away" rounds, with a final series for the top three culminating in a grand final being played at a neutral venue. I can't say when or why this arrangement ceased, but from memory there were...

Hey PH I'm just a bit lost as to why you seem to think that the AIC rugby programs are likely to be significantly affected by the introduction of AFL and RL. Are you suggesting that the pre-season trials or preparation will be disrupted by boys with AFL commitments? I certainly can't see...

On results so far, no De Flavis, no Jeeps. Isaac has been out for a while, anyone know the issue with him?

Yep, I think lock is the spot Baker would be aiming at next year, he certainly has that rangy build which suggests he'll end up pretty tall. Floyd is another Year 10 boy who's only turning 15 this year, but I fancy his chances of playing in the Firsts next year as well - a bit of Jangala...

Are we talking about Nick Baker (City U14's lst year)? Nick's playing No. 8 for the MCA 10A's this year. I know that Dave Miles has a wrap on Nick, he's one of those big, raw-boned kids who doesn't feel pain with that natural type of strength you can't develop in the gym. Early days, but...

There was not a single new boy in the Ashgrove 10A’s last weekend. Probably their most talented back, Floyd Aubrey who usually plays at 15, wasn’t there.

Didn’t play in the Seconds so I assume he’s still struggling with a fractured wrist.

Re MCA v Padua, I thought the sting went out of the game as soon as Tevaga was sent off, becoming pretty tame and predictable and even a bit boring. However, the MCA forwards already looked much fitter and better drilled to that point, particularly in defence, and it also looked like their...

Dave, I believe you're based in Sydney nowadays so it seems you're a bit out of touch with the schoolboy game up here. For reasons which belong on another thread, Ashgrove v any GPS First XV in the present era is not a fair fight, but at the moment they might be reasonably competitive with say...

I suspect that mcdonaldclan was referring to a relatively uneven AIC First XV comp last year, compared to some in the recent past. I'd say that the 2014 -2016 First XV comps were some of the strongest in TAS/AIC history, with at least 4 very competitive teams each year, and without thinking...

Wrong year then, it must have been 2014 when Padua lost to Ashgrove and SEC, maybe SPC as well, after a similar tour.

My understanding is that the 6 games involved MCA's First and Second XV's each playing: Sacred Heart Auckland (one of Auckland's leading rugby schools, 22 AB Old Boys) Hamilton Boys High School (3 x Sanix winners, 4 x NZ national champs over last 10 years) Tauranga Boys High School. I think...

Thanks mate. Personally I'd be happy to see Dowlands in the AIC, it would definitely lift the standard of rugby but there are logistical issues in play as well. In theory, given that there are 10 lanes at both Chandler and QSAC you could admit both Downlands and Ambrose Tracey to make a 10...

MCA 13 = LTW I assume? Didn't see the game, but based on what I've been told I'd be surprised to see Brooks stay at 12. The 12 position might be the weakness in the MCA backline this year, if so not exactly where you want to be chopping and changing guys, but very early days and the NZ tour...

Nice write-up Mac. Any chance of posting your predicted SPC First XV for Round 1?

Actually, now that I think of it, Flatley might actually have played 4 years of First XV, starting in Year 9.

Yes I know that, I watched him play in each of his three years. But, he didn’t dominate the competition in his first year hence my answer.

Elton Flatley?

Thanks Ali, some interesting stuff there. Padua and SPC are of course free to plan on the basis of my "first draft" team, but maybe it's lucky for MCA that I'm just a very casual, not particularly well-informed observer and not a selector. I've struggled with Brooks most of all, as I've only...