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Source: Photosport
An Auckland rugby official is blaming a lack of fencing for a massive schoolboy brawl.
The punch-up happened during a first fifteen semi-final between Auckland Boys Grammar School and Kelston Boys' High which was being watched by a a crowd of more than 2000.
Auckland Secondary Schools secretary Alex Bing says it involved at least 20 people, including players and spectators.
He says the main problem was too many spectators behind the try-line and the brawl started after a try was scored in the last moments of the game when Auckland scored a try.
A player who had been sitting on the sidelines then ran on and started hitting other players. Bing says the lesson is to rope off the ground and ban people from standing in the area. He says if this had been done it would have been possible to patrol the area properly.
Television footage may be used to identify the people involved. Bing says if the culprits can be identified from TV footage they will appear before the Auckland Rugby Union. He says based on the footage Auckland Secondary Schools will make a decision on who to bring before the judiciary and anyone who is identified as being involved is likely to face sanctions.
A freelance photographer who captured the incident will also be asked to help.
Some eyewitnesses say at least one boy was knocked out.
All Blacks coach Graham Henry was at the game and described the fighting as "extremely disappointing".
And the principal of one of the schools involved says he was sickened and appalled as he watched the brawl unfold. Grammar principal John Morris says neither his team nor their supporters were in the wrong and he is confident the incident won't affect his side's finals hopes next week against Mount Albert Grammar.
Did you witness the brawl between the Kelston Boys and Auckland Grammar players? ONE News would like to hear from you. Contact nicole.bremner@tvnz.co.nz or call 0800 886397.
