Wellington U19s profile: Te Whenua Poihipi

Above: Wellington U19s flanker Te Whenua Poihipi (left) with his teammate Joe Walding-Karaitiana. 

The Wellington U19s are heading to Taupo this coming weekend to defend the Graham Mourie Cup that they won at the inaugural National Jock Hobbs Memorial event. Leading up to the 2015 tournament, Club Rugby is profiling some of the young Lions who are likely to feature in the tournament and indeed the future of the game in the capital.

Te Whenua Poihipi is a softly spoken loose forward.

Ironically he can play a loud guitar (he loves Guns n' Roses) and has made some racket with his rugby in recent years.

Poihipi has won two National titles at First XV level and hopes to add a third national crown in Taupo next week.

Poihipi is from Opotiki on the East Coast. All Blacks Frank Shelford and Brian Fitzpatrick were born in Opotiki.

His mother Janet is a dairy farm manager and Dad Witi has retired after years off back-breaking work on ships.

The quiet and honest work ethic of the Poihipi's appealed to Hamilton Boys' High School First XV coach Nigel Hotham.

Poihipi left Opotiki College in Year 11 to purse footy at the rugby powerhouse. He proved to be a valuable servant, Hotham reflects on Poihipi's contribution.

"Te Whenua was a very good seven for us. He is a great scavenger who was always good for several turnovers per game. He boxed well above his weight," Hotham says.

Between 2012 and 2014, Hamilton Boys' High School won three Super 8 titles, the National Top Four twice and enjoyed 55 wins and two draws in 63 matches.

"It was phenomenal," Poihipi says.

"I wouldn't change anything about my experience at Hamilton. The benefits in terms of fitness and my game were huge. There is a huge pride that is drilled into you at Hamilton, it's hard to explain, but you are expected to perform."

Poihipi identifies the 2013 National Top Four final against St. Kentigern College as a particularly memorable game. St. Kent's had been unbeaten for 52 straight games, but were toppled in a mud bath 12-10.

"I remember being so nervous in the build up to that game. I couldn't stand still or even hold my water bottle. The game itself was tough and when we won it was just a huge relief, something I have never experienced before."

Poihipi was after a new experience when he shifted to Wellington this year. He is working as a goods mover and playing rugby for Northern United. He appeared for the Colts, senior firsts and premiers.

The Norths Colts won 13 out of 16 games and made the final of the Paris Memorial trophy. Poihipi says he was embraced warmly by the club.

"Norths is a real family club and that appeals to me. I was a bit of an outsider, but they have looked after me."

A mate looking after mates was the only reason Poihipi got a trial with the U19s.

"I didn't even know there was a trial, but there was a space and I was encouraged to show up. I guess it went pretty well," Poihipi laughs.

Wellington beat Manawatu 19-7 in the final Hurricanes seeding tournament fixture on Saturday. It was a grinding struggle in wet and windy conditions. Poihipi started and reflects on the game.

"Manawatu were a good side. They were really physical and asked a few questions. I think our kicking and defence was the difference," Poihipi says.

Poihipi and Upper Hutt's Daniel Schrijvers are the Wellington openside flankers. Norths beat the Upper Hutt Rams twice in the Colts season. Will Poihipi beat Schrijvers into the starting line up of the 19s?

"I don't mind where I play or for how long. I just want to make a positive contribution," Poihipi concludes.

The Wellington U19s start the National U19 tournament off in Taupo next Sunday evening at 6.00pm against the Taranaki U19s, who emerged from the Chiefs region as the second placed qualifier behind the Waikato U19s. The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sport 2 and on Hurricanes Radio on 1161AM or online at Tunein.com