Big and serious - Ben Peni

Above: Ben Peni running freely in a match last July for the Avalon Wolves. PHOTO: Hugh Pretorius. 

"No one took us seriously because we didn't take ourselves seriously," Ben Peni reflects on Avalon's recent struggles.

The Wolves suffered a horrible 2017 winning only twice in 23 matches and conceding a whopping 842 points. In the penultimate game of the Hardham Cup, Avalon was humiliated 98-12 by Upper Hutt.

"There were only a handful of guys turning up to take things seriously. The rest were there to make up the numbers," Peni rues.

Things have clearly changed at Fraser Park. Avalon have already won two Swindale Shield matches in 2018. In the first round, Avalon upset Wainuiomata 33-32 and a week later trounced Johnsonville 34-10, a side they lost to three times last season.  

"It's been a collective change driven by all the players and especially Scott Waldrom. Having Scooter back as coach has given us much more professionalism and created competition for jerseys," Peni reveals. 

The Wainuiomata win was proof of greater resolve.

"We were down by 20-odd at halftime but came back. We lost to them on the last play penalty the previous year and the guys who were involved in that we're pretty keen to go one better this time," Peni explains.

Avalon stumbled for the first time last Saturday, outclassed 40-12 by reigning Swindale Shield and Jubilee Cup champions Old Boys University.

"We were chasing the game the whole time. You can't give OBU a 20-point head start and expect to win. They are a different beast, but we took some positives out of the second-half," Peni reflects.

The score in the last hour of the match was 17-12 to OBU. Does Peni believe the Jubilee Cup is reachable?

"The Jubilee Cup is the pinnacle of Wellington rugby, everybody wants to be there, but we're taking things one Saturday at a time. We're a long way from the finished article," Peni responds.
Peni was an Avalon junior, but spent four years at Hutt Old Boys Marist before transferring back to the Wolves in 2014.

The former No.8 has played 59 matches and scored nine tries for the Avalon Premiers. Peni is one of the most imposing midfield backs in the competition. He presently stands at 127kg and has been as heavy as 136kg. A model of consistency, Peni has big ambitions for Avalon.

"When I arrived in 2014 I was so impressed with guys like Sefo Aumua, Cameron Cross and Jordan Aquila. Their loyalty and commitment to the club make them unsung heroes of the community. I hope I can make at least half the contribution those guys have made," Peni acclaims.

Peni spends four nights a week at the club. On Monday and Wednesday, he is the coach of the Women’side, the She-Wolves. 

"We didn't have a women's team last year because we only had four players. I got together with those four players and we talked about using some of the girls networks to get a team together. It's amazing how quickly things come together," Peni enthuses. 

The She-Wolves have lost their first pre-season matches to Marist St Pat’s and Paremata Plimmerton, but Peni in unconcerned at this stage.

"It's not about winning or losing yet. Many of the girls have never played rugby before so it's about learning the basics of the game. The girls are easy to teach though. Boys just want to do everything first without listening. The girls are more like sponges," Peni praises. 

The first round Women's competition for the Fleurs Trophy starts next weekend.

Personally, it's been a challenging year for Ben. His mother Fou has been suffering from breast cancer, but thankfully is in remission after an 18-month fight. Ben describes the experience as "tough" and "character building."

Peni rates Isaia Petelo from MSP as a frequently tough adversary.

Peni was educated at Naenae College and spent 2008 and 2009 in the First XV. 

Ben is a case manager for Work and Income. In his spare time, he is active in the Church and enjoys basketball. 

Ben's younger brother Ale is a scaffolder and also plays for Avalon. Ben's father Vai is a chief and keen rugby enthusiast whose stories of greatness and valour on the field aren't supported by "proof" Ben laughs.