Critical round ahead as Top 8 takes shape
With five rounds left to go in the Swindale Shield, almost every game is vital. The pressure is on Petone and Poneke to keep pace with the Top 8. Marist St Pats, coming off 3 consecutive losses, have slipped to eighth place and they'll be looking for maximum points to stay ahead of the chasing pack. Other crunch matches see Ories host Upper Hutt and OBU play Norths.
The Harper Lock Shield enters the business-end. It's been a great competition so far, with very little separating the top teams. Arguably, the game of the round sees OBU host Norths in a top-of-the-table clash.
The Women's Competitions enter fifth round, with some big clashes ahead. In the Fleurs Trophy, the tournaments two unbeaten teams- Ories and Norths- face off at Polo Ground 2. Both teams have been in dominant form, having secured maximum points from their opening three games.
The Les Mills Paris Memorial Trophy enters its third round. In a couple of big matches, unbeaten sides Petone and OBU face stiff competition against Upper Hutt and Norths respectively. The JRD Cup is also kicking into gear, headlined by a big clash between Paremata-Plimmerton and Wainui.
Swindale Shield
Tawa v HOBM
This match promises be a great battle, as two in-form teams go head-to-head. Tawa are looking to continue their resurgence, as they seek their sixth consecutive victory. Marist are in equally impressive form, having not lost since Round Two.
Watch out for Tawa's barnstorming No.8 Folau Vea, who scored a hat-trick before even reaching for the halftime oranges against Avalon.
OBU v Norths
Playing for: Ken Douglas Trophy
This heavy-weight clash should be something to savour. Up until last weekend, it seemed OBU couldn't put a foot wrong until Ories rolled along. The Goats must find a way to contain Norths big pack, led by Parekua Lalaga and Mike Ioapo, who subdued Wainui's much-vaunted pack last weekend.
Expect this one to go to the wire.
Ories v Upper Hutt Rams
Bob Lendrum Cup
Ories approach this game with confidence following a dominant display against previously unbeaten OBU last weekend. The home side will again rely on rock-solid defence to create opportunities against a Rams side who can't be underestimated.
Upper Hutt are a patient side, who possess a hardworking loose-forward trio and a capable backline led by Max Pearson. This match might be closer than some expect.
Johnsonville v Poneke
This will a tough ask for Johnsonville who have struggled against the big boys. Despite what results suggest, the Hawks play an open, entertaining brand of rugby and they have plenty of potential. Watch out for fullback Jacob Walmsley, whose sharp side-step and effortless running style is great to watch.
Poneke will be looking to build on a strong performance last week, particularly in the first-half where their forwards were dominant. They'll be looking for an 80-minute performance against a team capable of producing an upset. Expect Poneke to pull away in the final 20 minutes.
Paremata-Plimmerton v Wainuiomata
Watch out Paremata-Plimmerton!
Wainui will be frustrated by last week's heavy loss to Norths and they'll be fired up for an improved performance. Expect the away side to resort to their traditional game- rumbling mauls, powerful scrummaging and direct running led by Ben Tupuola.
Paremata-Plimmerton have shown plenty of heart this season and they'll be determined to give the green'n'black a run for their money in front of their home fans.
Avalon v Marist St Pats
Playing for: Joe Aspell Cup
The Avalon Wolves face a tough ask against MSP who'll be determined make amends for last weekend's tight loss to Poneke. Marist St Pats are capable of tearing apart any opposition backline, led by Mike Buckley and Billy Proctor. However, they've struggled for a complete 80-minute performance over the past couple of games. If they can get it right against the Wolves, watch out for a big score.
Wellington v Petone
Playing for: Air New Zealand Trophy
This match should be an open, attacking game going by recent form. Wellington have plenty of talent, led by impressive number-eight Sam Gard'ner. Similarly, Petone have shown plenty of promise despite their inconsistent results. This is a critical game, particularly for Petone, who only narrowly trail eighth-placed MSP on the table.
Womens Rugby
In the Fleurs Trophy, the competitions two unbeaten teams- Ories and Norths- face off at Polo Ground 2. The home side have amassed an impressive points difference of +219 in just three games and they'll be favoured to win.
The second match sees OBU host Wainui, as third plays fourth on the table. In Division 2, MSP play Paremata-Plimmerton while Poneke host Tawa.
Colts Rugby
In the Les Mills Paris Memorial Trophy, the game of the round sees top of the table Petone host the Upper Hutt Rams. Petone head into the game supremely confident following their 51-0 thrashing of Norths.
In another crunch game, Poneke host Ories. Both teams will be desperate after narrowly losing their respective games last week. In other games; OBU host Norths and Tawa play MSP.
In the JRD Cup, Paremata-Plimmerton host Wainui in what is shaping up as the match of the round. In other games; Kapiti host HOBM, Wellington play Johnsonville and Avalon play MSP.
Good luck to all teams involved!
