Two of New Zealand's most successful schools will attempt to win a record title at this week's National 1st XV Championship.
Hamilton Boys High and Kelston Boys High are currently tied, along with Wesley College, with five titles heading into the 2024 national tournament, starting on Friday at Massey University in Palmerston North.
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The schools are on opposite sides of the semifinal draw, with Hamilton BHS facing first-time Top Four participant Feilding High (kick-off 1.15pm), while Kelson BHS battle South Island champions Nelson College (kick-off 2.45pm).
Kelston ended Westlake Boys High's bid for three straight Top Four appearances with a 36-13 victory on Auckland's North Shore on Saturday to claim the Blues Cup.
First-five Jarrel Tuaimalo-Vaega scored a hat-trick for Kelson, who dominated the match throughout, with North Harbour 1st XV 1A champion Westlake only able to break their line in the 71st minute.
Tuaimalo-Vaega scored in the 18th, 52nd and 56th minutes, also adding a conversion for 17 points, with Kelston's victory never in doubt after leading 12-3 after 18 minutes, 17-6 at halftime and 31-6 in the 57th minute.
Hamilton BHS, who will be making a record-extending 14th trip to the Top Four, topped Rotorua BHS 41-15 in the Chiefs region final in Hamilton on Saturday.
Conversely, Feilding HS will take the short drive to Massey University after holding on to defeat their more heralded neighbours Palmerston North Boys High 15-14 on Saturday in the Hurricanes region final.
Trailing 14-3 at halftime, Feilding hit back with an early try to flanker Marshall Buckman, before prop Dane Johnston scored to give them the lead for good in the 57th minute and they were able to hold PNBHS scoreless in the second half.
Earlier, the hosts jumped out to an early lead with a try from loose forward Viliami Rongokea-Tupou, before first-five Jordi Viljoen, halfback for the Manawatu Turbos' NPC side, crossed in the 24th minute, converting both tries.
Nelson College, who will be making their third Top Four appearance, defeated defending national champions Southland Boys High 47-24 at home the previous weekend to take the South Island spot.
After lifting the Moascar Cup, 1st XV rugby's equivalent of the Ranfurly Shield, from Southland BHS, Nelson will defend it against Kelston BHS, and if they win, in the final against Hamilton BHS or Feilding HS.
In the girl's championship, defending champions Manukura School, out of Palmerston North, face Hamilton Girls High School in the first semifinal (kick-off 10.30am), a repeat of the 2023 girl's final.
Blues region winners Howick College battle South Island champions Christchurch Girls High School in the second semifinal (kick-off 11.30am).
NATIONAL 1ST XV RESULTS
Blues Region Final
Kelston Boys High 36 Westlake Boys High 13
Chiefs Region Final
Hamilton Boys High 41 Rotorua Boys High 15
Hurricanes Region Final
Feilding High 15 Palmerston North Boys High 14
NATIONAL 1ST XV SCHEDULE
Friday, September 6
GIRLS
10.30am: Manukura School vs Hamilton Girls High School
11.30am: Howick College vs Christchurch Girls High School
BOYS
1.15pm: Feilding High School vs Hamilton Boys High School
2.45pm: Kelston Boys High School vs Nelson College
Sunday, September 8
GIRLS
10.15am: Playoff for third
11.05am: Final
BOYS
11.50am: Playoff for third
12.40pm: Final