Auckland first five Rico Simpson's 'live or die' philosophy on the attacking game

Rico Simpson is adamant that the best form of defence is attack.

The 2024 and 2025 New Zealand Under-20s first-five or fullback is already a regular starter for Auckland in the NPC. As of September 24, he has played 24 of Auckland’s last 28 games.

It hasn’t been an easy season for the Blue and Whites, losing four consecutive matches after a 34-31 victory over Wellington in round two. The past fortnight has been kinder, with wins against Counties Manukau (43-33) and Tasman (24-22).

Against Counties, Simpson scored a try, set up a try, contributed two line breaks, charged for a game-high 130 metres, and kicked a penalty from halfway that halted a late Steelers surge.

His performance against Tasman was even more crucial. Simpson was involved in three tries, with a skip pass to winger Harlyn Saunoa releasing his former New Zealand Under-20s teammate. Later, when Auckland was stuck in their own territory and seemingly going nowhere, Simpson found a space that eventually led to an Issak Fines-Leleiwasa try. Down 22-14 in the 66th minute, Simpson expertly offloaded to right winger Xavier Tito-Harris as Auckland drove deep inside Tasman’s 22, eventually leading to a Payton Spencer try.

“It’s a relief to get a couple of wins playing with a bit more freedom by moving the ball,” Simpson told RugbyPass.

“We’re a young group. In tight games we’ve been guilty of being too conservative and going into our shells.

“We’re at our best when we play with confidence and back our skills. We’ve got a lot of firepower if we use it.”

“We built nicely into the Tasman game and then fell away. When we were down by eight points, we had no choice but to chance our arm. That mentality paid off.”

Simpson’s mentality is not dissimilar to a response an All Black might make. But is an all-out evangelical commitment attack always effective?

The Springboks stymied the All Blacks 3-1 in the Greatest Rivalry Series. In the World Rugby Under 20 Junior Championship final in Italy last year, New Zealand succumbed to South Africa’s stifling tactics 23-15.

“There are times when the defence presents a different identity. You’ll have solutions to get through, or you might have to adapt to certain situations on the fly; play what’s in front of you,” Simpson observed.

“Mentally, a stop-start game can be challenging, but you can try to change that. Quick taps, for example, are a great way to speed up a game.

“Not every pass is going to stick, but when they do, you score points. I’d rather live and die by attacking than being too conservative.”

Simpson’s rugby ambition has no doubt been shaped by family. He is the oldest of three exceptional players.

In 2023, while at Sacred Heart College in Auckland, Rico and his middle brother, flanker Cruiz, helped the First XV win their first 1A championship since 1965.

This year, with father Shuan as an assistant coach, Rico and Cruiz helped University win the Gallaher Shield for the 20th time and for the first time since 2017.

Qualifying fourth for the semi-finals, University knocked out top qualifiers and defending champions Ponsonby (27-21) and then conquered second-placed Grammar Tech (31-25). Rico scored the winning try in the decider. Cruiz was later awarded University player of the year.

“It was awesome to be part of a Gallaher Shield win. I have been around the club most of my life and looked up to some of the guys who had played for years and not won one. For them it was really emotional,” Simpson said.

“Grammar Tec is a strong side. We started with a bit of razzle, forwards with skills like backs. They clawed it back. We had to dig deep. I got the last try. For that I credit the rest of the boys.

“Cruiz used to be a back. Then he got big and could hurt people, so he moved into the forwards.

“I reckon Dad is definitely a bit harder on Cruiz and me. We hear it at dinner. Seriously, it is unique and awesome; he’s involved.”

Like Rico, younger brother Keanu Simpson played first-five for the Sacred Heart First XV in 2026. Although the Catholics did not win the 1A championship, losing in the semi-finals to eventual winners Kelston Boys’ High School 26-23, Keanu was named First XV player of the year. He scored 182 points in 11 1A games and has been selected for the New Zealand Maori Under-18 boys team that will play three representative fixtures at St Paul’s Collegiate in Hamilton in the coming week.

All three brothers from the Ngati Rangitihi iwi have been selected in that team. Since its inception in 2016, it has boasted All Blacks Ruben Love and Cortez Ratima. In 2024, with Cruiz tackling like a fortified pa, the Maori sensationally upset the New Zealand Schools 22-15.

“I am proud of Keanu. At Sacred Heart there can be a lot of pressure and expectation following brothers who have been successful. He has been awesome.

“The Maori team was really unique. There were no x’s or o’s. There was a lot of emphasis on culture and identity, growing and defending with that rather than just normal strategy.

“We practised with a taiaha in the frost. That was interesting training without the ball. I was nervous when we first played, but it all worked out tactically and spiritually.”