Fa'atonu Fili brings up 200 for Marist St Pats
Fa'atonu Fili is a legend of club rugby, having won the Jubilee Cup four times. Known affectionately as 'Tons', Fili's killer side-step and big boot has earnt him huge respect. This weekend's match against Ories marks Fili's 200th appearance for the Red Machine. Expect to see some vintage Fili magic and a bit of healthy banter as he tries to show up his former teammates.
It'll be a big day at Kelburn Park, as Tomasi Palu and Joe Hill celebrate their 100th games for OBU. To top it off, its Old Timers Day at the Paremata-Plimmerton club as their Premier sides host the Axeman at Ngati Toa Domain.
This is a critical round in the Swindale Shield, as teams try to emerge out of a mid-table log-jam. The Poneke v Tawa match is vital, with only two points separating both teams. It's a key week for Upper Hutt and Petone, as they play tough games against Norths and HOBM respectively.
In the Harper Lock Shield, the game of the round sees HOBM host Petone. Marist are unbeaten this season and will be fancied to take the win against fifth placed Petone.
It's an exciting week in the Women's competition, as the Victoria Tavern/Women's Division Two competitions kick off. Ories will be the team to beat in the top division, following their dominant form in the first round.
The Colts Competition moves into the final round. In the Paris Memorial Trophy, Petone host OBU Green in what should be a great match-up. Both teams come into this match unbeaten, so expect this one to go to the wire.
Swindale Shield
Oriental-Rongotai v Marist St Pats
Ories will be looking for a complete performance against the Red Machine. The competition's unbeaten side lacked discipline against Upper Hutt although they showed plenty of grit to win.
MSP come into this game fresh from putting 60 on Avalon and there'll be plenty of emotion out there. Watch out for lock Sean Bridge, who is returning to his best form following his two tries last week. Expect an intense, high quality game.
Hutt Old Boys Marist v Petone
Playing for: McBain Shield
Nothing like a local rivalry to get the adrenaline pumping! Petone approach this game with confidence, following their dominant win against Wellington. Watch out for flanker Jacob Gooch, who has white-line fever following his recent hat-trick.
HOBM are seeking their eighth consecutive victory and they'll again rely on their impressive backline to cause havoc. Expect an open, entertaining game.
Northern United v Upper Hutt Rams
Playing for: Terry Farrow Memorial Cup
Norths will be looking to get their season back on track, following a disappointing loss to OBU. The home side will again look to their powerful ball-runners to create opportunities. Watch out for Mike Ioapo and Perry Hayman, who are both incredibility powerful and give their side great go-forward.
Upper Hutt are a tough side who will not lie down. Their mobile loose-forward trio work incredibility hard and their backs have plenty of pace. Watch out for second-five Konelio Feaunati, a stocky player who is powerful on attack.
Old Boys University v Wainuiomata
Playing for: Peter Dunford Cup
OBU will be pumped up for a big performance as they play for Palu and Hill. The home side will look to play the percentages and rely on their committed defence to create opportunities.
Wainui are capable of spoiling the party, particularly if their big ball-runners get a roll on. Watch out for Teru Time who has caused headaches for opposition defences all season long.
Poneke v Tawa
Poneke have been quietly going about their business, having not lost since Round Five. They have shown an ability to win the tight games and they'll be expecting another tough battle against Tawa.
The away side failed to fire a shot against Marist and they'll be looking to their powerful centre Pepesana Patafilo to provide a bit of go-forward. Expect a tight game, as two teams look to cement a place in the Jubilee Cup.
Paremata-Plimmerton v Wellington
It's a big day at Ngati Toa Domain as club supporters, volunteers and players- both past and present- get together to celebrate Old Timers Day. Paremata-Plimmerton will rely on the experience of the McMillan-Parata twins to lead them against a capable Wellington side. Hilton Mexted will be a key figure for Wellington, as they look to win the territorial battle.
Johnsonville v Avalon
The Hawks will be targeting a win against the competition's bottom-placed team. The home side have been great to watch this season, even if results haven't gone their way. Watch out for Romu Senileba, who is deceivingly quick and powerful.
Avalon will be smarting from their heavy loss to MSP and they'll be wary of the Hawk's attacking threat.
Womens Rugby
In the opening round of the Victoria Tavern Trophy, Norths host MSP and OBU play Wainuiomata. Ories- winners of the first round Fleurs Trophy- take a bye. It'll be interesting to see whether any teams can close the gap on Ories, who ended the first round competition with a staggering points difference of +270.
In Division 2, Paremata-Plimmerton host Poneke while Petone play Hutt Old Boys Marist.
Colts Rugby
In the Les Mills Paris Memorial Trophy, the Friday night game sees Ories host MSP. On Saturday, top-of-the-table Petone host OBU Green; while Poneke play Tawa. Petone has made an impressive start, with a points difference of +100 after 3 games. Finally, Norths host Upper Hutt.
In the JRD Cup, it'll be a key round as teams try to come out a congested mid-table. Johnsonville play host to Avalon; while Paremata-Plimmerton host Wellington. In other games, OBU Black play Wainuiomata and MSP B play Kapiti.
Good luck to all teams involved!
