This story was first published on Sunday September 9.
St Peter's College have been crowned the National First XV Champions this afternoon after a rollercoaster final against Napier Boy's High School.
The Auckland college won their first national title since 2000 after turning around a 21-5 deficit to beat their Hawke's Bay rivals 31-28 at the Sport and Rugby Institute at Massey University in Palmerston North.
The comeback was spearheaded by captain Niko Jones, son of former All Black Sir Michael Jones, who set up St Peter's' first try with a strong run before going all the way in the second half to score a stellar five-pointer himself.
Jones scooped up a loose lineout ball 10m inside his own half before starting his run down field, beating five Napier tacklers with his fends and powerful running to score and push the score to 24-21 in his side's favour.
St Peter's then extended their lead with another long range effort as flanker Chris Hala'ufia finished off a breakaway from inside his team's own 22.
Napier Boys' wasn't finished though.
They're forward eventually broke St Peter's line after numerous pick and go attempts with hooker and captain Tyrone Thompson crossing over to move the score to 31-28 with 11 minutes left.
But St Peter's found another gear and pinned Napier Boys' in their own half, chewing up the clock and going on to win their first title in 18 years.
In the third and fourth playoff, Hamilton Boys' High School beat Christchurch Boys' High School 43-25.
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