Chasing teams try to close gap on OBU
We are now reaching the mid-point of the Jubilee Cup season and if its anything like the last round- it's going to be exciting. OBU continue to lead the table and only four points separate HOBM (2nd) and Ories (5th). Teams are likely to face a stiff northerly and rain, which may change team tactics. The round is highlighted by the clash between Hutt Old Boys Marist and Marist St Pats, as second plays third on the table.
The Premier Reserve competition offers some great match-ups. In the match of the round, Tawa host OBU in a top-of-the-table clash.
The Women's competition continues to excite. In the Victoria Tavern Trophy, Ories return to action following their bye as they face Wainui. Can Wainui put the brakes on Ories momentum?
The Colts competitions are even, with very little separating the top sides. In the Les Mills John E Kelly Memorial Cup, a fascinating match sees OBU Green attempt to put an end to Tawa's impressive form.
Jubilee Cup
Tawa v Old Boys University
Tawa will be confident, after grinding out a tough win against MSP. They'll need every bit of that confidence against the competition leaders, who have scored a cool 20 tries this season.
Watch out for OBU's flanker Daven Candy who is currently the competitions leading try-scorer with five tries!
Oriental-Rongotai v Wainui
As last week has shown, both teams do not give up and produce resolute defence when it matters most. With grounds likely to be muddy, this match could turn into trench warfare. Expect this to go to the wire.
Petone v Northern United
Petone must find a way to convert their opportunities. They have impressive backs who create opportunities although they have failed to capatalise on this. Norths will look to use their big forwards to gain the ascendency and starve their opposition of ball.
Hutt Old Boys Marist v Marist St Pats
It's a Marist derby at the Petone Rec, as second plays third. Both teams have talent to burn in the backline, mixed in with some hard-working forwards. Hutt Old Boys Marist have scored 11 tries this season, which proves their attacking ability.
MSP are also extremely dangerous with ball-in-hand, led by the impressive Mike Buckley. If the weather holds, this could be a great game.
Hardham Cup
Avalon v Upper Hutt Rams
Avalon have fought hard this season despite not getting results. They'll need every bit of that fight against the Rams, who have scored an impressive 16 tries in the second round.
The Rams are without Daniel Schrijvers this weekend. Dan has dotted down three times this season and has been one of the Rams best.
Wellington v Johnsonville
Johnsonville are favoured to continue their winning streak against the Axeman. The Hawks have shown plenty of promise this year and their hard work is paying off. The away side will look to gain dominance up-front before unleashing their talented backline.
Poneke v Paremata-Plimmerton
Poneke will be relieved to have earnt their first victory in the second-round and they will be expected to win against Paremata-Plimmerton. The home side showed plenty of composure to win last week, after a slow start against the Axeman.
Women's Rugby
In the Victoria Tavern Trophy, Wainui host Ories and Norths play Old Boys University. Can anyone stop Ories?
In the Second Division competition, Petone host Poneke and Tawa play Hutt Old Boys Marist.
Colts Competition
The Les Mills John E Kelly Memorial Cup is starting to heat up. Tawa host OBU Green, while Ories play Paremata-Plimmerton. Finally, Petone play Norths and MSP travel to the Hutt Rec to play HOBM.
In the Vic Calcinai Memorial Cup, Avalon host Upper Hutt and Wellington play Kapiti. In other games; OBU Black host Wainui and Poneke play Johnsonville.
