Rico Syme impresses in NZ Barbarians debut

The New Zealand Schoolboy Barbarians, or more accurately ‘B’ side, has proven to be just as talented and heralded as the main over the years. Whilst the latter is on track to make new records on their Australian tour, the Barbarians have been in camp and quietly performing with two victories of their own. Last week’s 33-19 victory over the Tongan Schoolboys offered the chance to see more of New Zealand’s top talent perform. Here are our three top performers of the match and names to watch out for in the future.

Rico Syme

The Christchurch Boys High star, who we highlighted a couple of weeks ago, missed out on NZ schoolboys selection but started fullback for the Barbarians. With his second touch of the day, Syme burned through the Tongan defence for a 50m try. He was nearly unstoppable on the dry fast track, utilising his lightning speed to create a number of breaks. He finished with a try, try assist, three line breaks and eight defenders beaten in a little over one half of rugby. His involvement in two tries ended up being the difference between the teams on the scoreboard.

Taine Te Whata

The Otago Boys’ openside impressed with an all-round performance, slowing down Tongan ball with a number of contested rucks, defending stoutly off set piece and strong ball carrying through the Tongan defence. His high work rate was consistent for the whole match, contributing the ‘1 percenters’ that are often unheralded keys to winning. The Southland product will return next year to the Southland Rugby academy on a two-year deal.

Fergus Burke

The young Hamilton pivot’s mercurial kicking steered the Barbarians around the park, putting the Tongan’s into pressure situations which often led to good field position for the Barbarians. Burke’s out-of-hand kicking is phenomenal, with a range of up to 60m, would be welcomed by any pro side. Burke’s distribution was adequate and he also bagged a short-range try late in the match. Burke has been picked up by the Crusaders academy, and will likely flourish in the system down south that has a reputation of producing quality first fives.

See the match highlights of the Barbarians win here.