Try telling Nelson winger Solo Gukirewa that it can be a tough transition from high school to senior club rugby.
The Nelson College student is turning heads with his speed, rugged defence and potent partnership with former NC vice-captain Nelesoni “Soni” Malaulau.
“It is pretty easy to communicate with each other,” says the 19-year-old Fijian who came to Nelson with his family two years ago.
He was in the NC 2nd XV last season and returned to Year 13 to finish credits this year.
The Nausori-born flier has played his way into the Tasman high performance group and hopes to make the U20 Mako side, hence appearing for the Nelson club rather than the college.
He’s scored six tries this season and they came in doubles, with the latest against Kahurangi last Saturday.
Second five Soni made the break for the first with Solo taking an inside pass to score the opening try, and the pair combined again with Solo hauling in a long pass for the final try in the 33-5 romp.
They are also like a mini bomb squad as they hunt down high kicks and put immense pressure on defenders.
“We love that,” laughs Solo, who hopes his performances haven’t gone unnoticed.
“Solo and I work on our chase line defence and combinations together at training,” explains Soni, who has previously played club rugby in France.
The 22-year-old is a teacher aide at St Joseph’s School in Nelson and is in his first year of study to become a primary teacher.
“I don’t even know how I balance that with training,” says the direct-running midfield back.
“They are good young kids in a very young backline,” quips Nelson coach Tom Marshall.
Their efforts are helping make Nelson very competitive and consistent this season as the resurgent club pushes towards the play-offs again.
Tom’s only disappointment is they don’t get to challenge Marist for the John Goodman Challenge Trophy this weekend, as Marist lost it to Waimea Old Boys.
The 27-26 defeat ended Marist’s unbeaten 10-match run as WOB claimed the trophy for the first time in eight years.
A late penalty goal from Waimea captain Campbell Parata clinched the win after Marist had stormed to the lead in the second half.
Marist still leads the competition with 37 points, with Waimea and Nelson on 28, Central 21, Kahurangi 12 and Stoke 8.
Central suffered a shock 45-17 home loss to previously winless Stoke, which was bolstered by the return of Highlanders first five Taine Robinson.
