Battle of star Counties Manukau schools set for prime time TV

A rare local derby between the two best high school teams in the Counties Manukau region will air live on Sky Sport this Saturday.

Secondary school giants Wesley College and Manurewa High School will do battle from 2.40pm at Wesley College Number 1 this Saturday with the game being broadcast live on Sky Sport 1 – a rivalry that has been left dormant for the past five seasons due to their respective schedules.

The two schools have been huge contributors to the South Auckland rugby nursery that has been a massive source of talent that has filtered into the professional game over the past decade or more.

Wesley College, home of the late, great Jonah Lomu, is a school steeped in rugby tradition. A huge crowd will be on hand to watch their team take on their powerful suburban South Auckland rivals.

But the two powerhouse outfits play in separate local competitions these days meaning they don’t normally get to face each other in regular competition.

With a long and storied rivalry and Sky Sport interested in airing a game between the two star schools, this fixture has been made possible.

“It is so exciting to see these two schools compete against each other,” Counties Manukau Rugby Development Officer Shaun Atamu said.

“There is so much talent within each school and to be able showcase that to the wider rugby community is a huge coup.

“We know the schools are really looking forward to this match and so is the local rugby community.”

Manurewa High School 1st XV VS Wesley College 1st XV

Saturday 11 July, @ Wesley College Field 1, 2:40pm Kick-Off, Broadcast on SKY Sport 1.