Rico Simpson is adamant that the best form of defense is offense.
2024 and 2025 New Zealand The first-five or guard under the age of 20 is already a common starter Auckland in NPC. Since September 24, he has played in 24 of Auckland’s last 28 games.
This was not an easy season for the blue and whites, they lost four consecutive matches after winning 34-31 Wellington in the second round. The past fortnight has been better, 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 130 meters in the game and kicked a penalty from half that halted a late Steelers surge.
His performance vs Tasman was even more crucial. Simpson was involved in three tries, with a skip from winger Harlyn Saunoa freeing his former New Zealand under-20 team-mate. Later, with Auckland stuck in their own territory and seemingly going nowhere, Simpson found space which eventually led to an Issak Fines-Leleiwas try. Down 22-14 in the 66th minute, Simpson expertly crossed right wing Xavier Tito-Harris as Auckland drove deep into Tasman’s 22, eventually leading to a Payton Spencer try.
“It’s a relief to get a couple of wins playing with a little more freedom moving the ball,” Simpson said RugbyPass.
“We are a young group. In tense games, we were guilty of being too conservative and going into our shells.”
“We are at our best when we play with confidence and back up our skills. We have a lot of firepower if we use it.”
“We settled into the Tasman game nicely and then we went down. When we went down by eight points, we had no choice but to try our hand. That mentality paid off.”
Simpson’s mentality is not unlike the answer an All Black might give. But is an all-out attack of evangelical commitment always effective?
The Springboks stopped All black people 3-1 in the series of the biggest rivalry. In the final of the World Junior Rugby Championship under the age of 20 in Italy last year, New Zealand succumbed to South Africa’s suffocating tactics 23-15.
“There are times when the defense presents a different identity. You’re going to have solutions to pass, or you may have to adapt to certain situations on the fly; play what’s in front of you,” Simpson noted.
“Mentally, the stop-start game can be challenging, but you can try to change that. Quick touches, for example, are a great way to speed up the game.
“Not every dog is going to hold back, but when they do, you score points. I’d rather live and die from the attack than be too conservative.”
Simpson’s rugby ambitions were no doubt shaped by his family. He is the oldest of three outstanding players.
In 2023, while at Sacred Heart College in Auckland, Rico and his middle brother, flanker Cruz, helped the First XV win their first 1A Championship since 1965.
This year, with father Shuan as assistant coach, Rico and Cruz helped the University win the Gallaher Shield for the 20th time and first since 2017.
Qualifying fourth for the semi-finals, University saw off top qualifiers and defending champions Ponsonby (27-21) before beating second-placed Grammar Tech (31-25). Rico scored the winning try in the decider. Cruz was later named the varsity player of the year.
“It was great to be a part of winning the Gallaher Shield. I’ve been at the club most of my life and I look up to some of the lads who have played for years and not won one. It was really emotional for them,” Simpson said.
“Grammar Tec is a strong side. We started with a little bit of anxiety, forwards with skills like backs. They were catching him back. We had to dig deep. I got the last try. I credit the other guys for that.
“Cruz used to be a guard. Then he got big and could hurt people, so he switched to forward.
“I think dad is definitely a little harder on Cruise and me. We heard that at dinner. Seriously, it’s unique and awesome; he’s on.”
Like Rico, younger brother Keanu Simpson made the 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 was selected in the New Zealand Maori boys’ under-18 team to play three representative matches at St Paul’s Collegiate in Hamilton next week.
All three brothers from Ngati Rangitihi iwi were selected for that team. Since its inception in 2016, it has boasted All Blacks Ruben Love and Cortez Ratimo. In 2024, with Cruise fighting like an established pope, the Maori sensationally upset New Zealand Schools 22-15.
“I’m proud of Keanu. At Sacred Heart, there can be a lot of pressure and expectations after brothers who have been successful. He’s been great.”
“The Maori team was really unique. There was no ‘x’ and ”’. There was a lot of emphasis on culture and identity, growing and defending with that, not just the normal strategy.
“We practiced with Taiah on the ice. It was an interesting practice without the ball. I was nervous the first time we played, but everything worked out tactically and spiritually.”
