Speaking after today\u2019s session, Savea told the Rotorua Daily Post he did some attack and defence work, handling and a line break drill.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe boys are eager to learn,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a proud rugby school, and I\u2019ve heard they\u2019ve always done well. It\u2019s awesome to come down here and give them some knowledge and I guess motivation to sort of pursue their careers or whatever they do.\u201d<\/p>\n
Moana Pasifika player Julian Savea. Photo \/ Supplied<\/p>\n
Ahead of Saturday\u2019s game, Savea said the Chiefs had \u201cworld-class\u201d players and coaches.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s always going to be a tough game against these guys … <\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve come off a bye week so hopefully the boys are refreshed and ready to go.\u201d<\/p>\n
Savea said the team were \u201cexcited to bring the game\u201d to Rotorua, \u201calthough the majority of Rotorua is probably Chiefs country\u201d.<\/p>\n
Rotorua Boys\u2019 High School First XV rugby team captain Te Ariki Rogers said the session went well.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think it exposes us to a different environment with Moana Pasifika coming in, especially with one of the greats Julian Savea. Obviously bringing his knowledge across to the boys as we head over to Japan … I think it benefits us before we head over to Sanix.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rotorua Boys\u2019 High School\u2019s First XV rugby team at work during a skills and drills session with the three visiting Moana Pasifika players. Photo \/ Megan Wilson<\/p>\n
Rogers said the team earned a spot last year for this year\u2019s Sanix World Rugby Youth Tournament. Eight international teams and eight Japanese teams were competing, with Feilding High School being the only other team from New Zealand.<\/p>\n
Rotorua Boys\u2019 High School won the youth tournament in 2003 and 2004, becoming the first team to win it twice<\/a>. In 2016, the team finished in third place<\/a>.<\/p>\n Rogers said the team would depart on April 25 for two weeks. They would spend a few days in Tokyo before the tournament takes place in the Fukuoka Prefecture.<\/p>\n Rogers said he was looking forward to the experience and \u201cbonding with the boys\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s quite a new group this year so going over for a two-week period, I think it will benefit us … coming together as one but also playing the sport we love as well.<\/p>\n \u201cOn behalf of Rotorua Boys\u2019 High, we just want to express our gratitude for Moana Pasifika coming down here and showing their love to our community, our little town and just to our First XV and the younger generation out here.\u201d<\/p>\n