Postseason NSW Schools Rankings
Many of the Forum Fanatics were quick to judge my Preseason Schools Rankings, and with only one ISA round remaining and the other competitions concluded, I believe it's time to finalise the Postseason Schools Rankings. Without further adieu, here are my rankings where teams have been ranked into tiers by my team and I.
This isn't the be-all and end-all of Rugby Rankings, just a thereabouts ranking - enjoy!
Tier 1: Shore and St. Augustine's
These two teams emerged as the winners of their competitions respectively, and both were exceptionally dominant throughout the trial period and regular season. Some may question why I've placed Shore ahead of St. Augustine's, given that Auggies defeated them.
However, it's important to note that Shore was leading 10-7 before a red card changed the game’s dynamic. According to reports, Shore then brought on their 2nd XV to avoid further suspensions, which led to their narrow 26-22 loss.
Further, Shore faced a tough start in the GPS, but ultimately claimed the premiership in what is widely considered the strongest competition in the country. Shore's more decisive wins over teams like Oakhill further cement their position as the top team.
While the undefeated* Auggies have been strong contenders, nearly winning the SAINX tournament (barring an unusual Joe Walsh miss), Shore's consistent performance against higher-calibre teams makes them the superior side overall.
Tier 2: St Joseph's, Oakhill, Scots, Kings, Newington, Riverview
It's no surprise that the rest of the GPS schools dominate this tier. Joey's had a strong start but faltered as the season progressed. Kings, Scots, Newington, and Riverview all had their ups and downs in what is regarded as the best and strongest competition in Australia.
Oakhill slots into this tier after a narrow loss to Auggies, where two late tries in the first half proved costly. However, their ability to keep Auggies scoreless in the second half and score two tries of their own was impressive. Oakhill also defeated Riverview and had convincing wins against the top three CAS schools.
What keeps them below Kings and Joeys is their tight win against Joeys' 2nd XV where they had multiple missed opportunities, and their 23-point loss to Shore in difficult conditions.
Tier 3: Barker, Knox, Waverley
The competition among the top CAS schools was fierce, and their rankings could be debated. Barker, in particular, could potentially be a Tier 2 team. They suffered narrow one-point losses to Riverview and Oakhill but still came up short.
These three teams would likely struggle against those in the higher tiers, as demonstrated through their matches against Oakhill and Auggies.
Tier 4: Cranbrook, Pius, Kinross, St Stanislaus'
Cranbrook tops this tier due to their potential when fully healthy, as supported by their strong win over Oakhill. If fully healthy all season, Cranbrook most definitely would have been a problem in the CAS, with the potential to move up to Tier 3.
Pius, Kinross and Stannies had moments of promise but ultimately couldn't deliver when it counted. Pius had a strong trial period and a close game against a fatigued and understrength Auggies side (who had played Shore three days earlier). However, they faded when it mattered, suffering significant losses to Oakhill and losing to Stannies.
The two country teams, Kinross and Stannies, always put up a good fight but haven't achieved anything particularly noteworthy. A special mention goes to Oscar Cleary and Cooper Watters, two country boys who made the schoolboys team—always great signs for ISA Rugby.
Tier 5: St Patricks, Trinity, St Gregs, Aloys,
These teams find themselves at the bottom of the rankings.
Gregs remains a league-focused school.
Pats lost perhaps the best schoolboy combination of all time to league for crucial games during trials and the season, and even when they played, their forwards struggled to establish a platform.
Aloys simply lack the rugby player base to be competitive.
Trinity's season was especially disappointing, as it seemed they'd awarded scholarships to the wrong players.
Tier 6: TAS, Sydney Boys, Sydney Grammar, and Others
These schools are not on par with the rest of the teams mentioned above.
Special Mention:
Shoutout to Oakhill, the only team inside the top two tiers to be entirely homegrown with no scholarships—a significant achievement.