By ANT BRAND 

An injury-ravaged The Southport School will face their biggest test of the year when they take on ladder leaders Brisbane Boys College in Saturday’s GPS First XV match of the round.

Pre-season favourites BBC remain the team to beat after strong wins against Brisbane Grammar School (39-3) and Ipswich Grammar (49-20) to sit atop of the ladder on for and against despite playing just two games either side of their Round Two bye in a nod to their attacking prowess. 

But third-placed TSS cannot be discounted and remain undefeated after three fixtures with wins over Brisbane State High (49-19), Toowoomba Grammar (32-17) and Brisbane Grammar School (20-15).

Those victories came despite the Gold Coast outfit enduring a horror run of season-ending injuries to starters James Pere (No.8), Jai Gray (fullback), Jojo Fifita, Harry Vousty and wingers Rabura Rabura and Jack Denson.  

But rather than falling in a heap, the loss of those players has highlighted a steely resolve as fringe players continue to admirably fill the boots of seasoned campaigners.  

“We have been hit pretty hard with injuries this year but I couldn’t be prouder of the boys that we’ve got representing the school,” TSS Director of Rugby Adrian Blundell said. 

“They’ve done an outstanding job. While injuries are terrible and shocking, they give other boys an opportunity and they have grasped it with both hands. 

“We pride ourselves on having a strong rugby program all the way through the year groups and to see a couple of guys who are Year 12s in that injury list is a real shame. 

“But It provides another opportunity for other boys who have really stepped up. And that’s what you’re in coaching for – to be surprised and impressed in the absence of those boys.”

TSS, who are the reigning Premiers, will need to continue their rich form at home on Saturday against a BBC side who have amassed an impressive 88 points in just two outings. 

Blundell said BBC were without doubt the team to beat in 2020.   

“Before the season started they were definitely favourites amongst those who are aware of the squads and the players. They are a formidable outfit,” he said. 

“For many years they (BBC) have had a formidable First XV program and have really put some significant resources into it. 

“They have got excellent coaches and some really good experience back from last year and obviously are looking to build on their success.”

BBC’s slayings include a 69-12 annihilation of Terrace in their second pre-season trial match, an astonishing result considering Terrace downed fourth-placed Churchie 38-24 last week. 

But TSS’s defence has been strong with the side letting in an average of just 17 points a game. 

Blundell said BBC’s attacking prowess meant defence had been a major focus during the week as his charges ready themselves for battle.  

“Defence is going to be massive. We have done a lot of work on it and it is something that the boys really pride themselves on,” he said.  

“It’s going to be a massive challenge but the boys seem really excited and for it. This is why they wanted to be in the school’s First XV – to play the top teams. So that’s what they’re after.”

Blundell’s troops also know their way to the tryline having scored an average of 34 points a game this season.  

“The boys have an open licence to attack this week like they do every week so that’s nothing new,” Blundell said. “We just try and play high skills and high speed.”

“They’re all big matches in GPS rugby these days. Without a finals series every game is like a grand final.” 

In other Round Four matches, Brisbane State High clash with Toowoomba Grammar, Gregory Terrace face Brisbane Grammar School and Churchie take on Ipswich Grammar.