Derbies aplenty this weekend
It's a big weekend of rugby ahead as teams settle into their respective second-round competitions. Old Boys University are still the team to beat, after a comprehensive win against a strong Norths side. The Goats Reserve side were equally dominant in week one, so Petone will be up against it.
Women's Rugby is starting to heat up. In the Victoria Tavern Trophy, Ories will be expected to continue their incredible run of form against OBU; while Wainui play host to Marist St Pats.
The Colts competition moves into its second-round. The match of the round sees OBU Green host Petone. OBU kept Norths scoreless last weekend and they'll be anticipating a big game against first-round Paris Memorial Trophy winners Petone.
Jubilee Cup
Marist St Pats v Ories
MSP deserve credit for winning last week's match in tough circumstances, after a prolonged injury break and a change in playing field. Ories are due a big match, after losing their opening match. Expect a close encounter.
Hutt Old Boys Marist v Wainui
Hutt Old Boys Marist got off to a flyer last week, with a dominant first-half performance against Ories. The Eagles will look for another big performance from Brandyn Laursen who continues to impress.
Wainui's tactics will be no secret, they'll play with physicality and look to the likes of Ben Tupuola to gain a bit of go-forward. Watch out for Wainui's hard-working lock Bevan Clark who is a consistent performer.
The Goats made a bit of a statement last week against Norths. OBU have been consistent all season and it's hard to find weaknesses in their team. Petone were unlucky not to secure a win last week, after two late penalties sailed wide of the posts.
Old Boys University v Petone
Watch out for halfback Logan Henry, the 21-year old has been part of the Hurricanes Development team and comes from a talented rugby family.
Tawa v Norths
Expect a tough battle against two sides coming off disappointing first-round results. Both teams have powerful packs and talented loose-forward trios. Watch out for Norths lock Chris Middleton who is a work-horse and impressive at set-piece time.
Hardham Cup
Avalon v Paremata-Plimmerton
It's a significant day at Avalon, as Hurricanes and Lions legend Scott Waldrom plays his 100th Premier game. To top it off, it's the club's Old Timers Day. However, Paremata-Plimmerton are capable of spoiling the party.
Watch out for fullback Blake Neve, who has a huge amount of talent.
Wellington v Upper Hutt Rams
The Axeman can expect a tough match against the Rams who impressed last weekend against Poneke. Wellington will need to put in an 80-minute performance against Upper Hutt, who typically leave their best till last.
Watch out for Max Pearson, who is returning to his best form following two tries last weekend.
Johnsonville v Poneke
Johnsonville put in one of their best performances this year against Paremata-Plimmerton. The Hawks have plenty of attacking firepower and grunt up-front led by veteran Kane Thompson. Poneke are due a big performance, following a disappointing performance against the Rams.
Women's Rugby
In the Victoria Tavern Trophy, Ories host Old-Boys University and Wainui play Marist St Pats. Norths appear as the only potential challenge for Ories, who are a cut above their opposition.
In the Second Division competition, Hutt Old Boys University play Paremata-Plimmerton and Petone host Tawa.
Colts Competition
The second round of the Les Mills John E Kelly Memorial Cup offers up some great clashes. It'll be interesting to see whether OBU Green can threaten Petone. In other clashes, Marist St Pats host Ories, Tawa play Norths and HOBM play Paremata-Plimmerton.
In the Vic Calcinai Memorial Cup, Kapiti host the Upper Hutt Rams while Johnsonville play Wellington. Finally, Avalon host OBU Black and Poneke play Wainui.
