Four trophies on the line in Swindale Shield
It's business-as-usual on Easter weekend with several WRFU competitions taking place as planned. It's a critical round in the Swindale Shield, particularly for Poneke and Tawa, who are looking to climb the competition ladder following their first season wins last week. Fans will be served up a treat, with plenty of trophies on the line and some gripping encounters.
The Les Mills Colts Knockout Competition is reaching its climax, with the Eric Connolly Cup on the line in Division One. Women's rugby is also kicking into gear, with some exciting games taking place in the Fleurs Trophy and Division Two competitions.
All other WRFU competitions, including the Premier Reserve, Under-85s and First Grade competitions are running as scheduled, albeit with a number of changes of venues.
Swindale Shield
Poneke v HOBM
Playing for: Roy John Trophy
This game is shaping up to be a cracker, following each sides dominant victories last weekend. Poneke have finally found their grove, after a slow start. They were outstanding up-front, led by barnstorming lock Isaia Walker-Leawere.
The home side will need to match last week's intensity against the Eagles who were equally impressive against an underwhelming Avalon side. Watch out for the tournament's leading try-scorer Fereti Soloa.
Tawa v Norths
Playing for: Sammy Saili Memorial Trophy
Finally, Tawa are back in the game! Their backs looked sublime against the Axeman, with centres Ben Lam and Pepesana Patafilo creating havoc. Norths are equally high on confidence. Their pack has been outstanding and could potentially starve the Tawa backline of ball. The home side will need to contain Norths impressive loose-forward trio led by Antony Fox and Parekura Lalaga.
Petone v Old Boys University
Playing for: Marc Verhoeven Memorial Trophy
Petone will have to put in their best performance of the season to beat the Goats. The home side will be proud of the way they fought back against Ories and they'll need every bit of that hunger against the competition leaders.
OBU require no introduction, they are the form team of the competition with no obvious weaknesses. Expect the away side to pull away in the second-half and set their dangerous backline alight led by Wright, Goosen and Minkley.
Wainuiomata v Upper Hutt Rams
Playing for: Peter Jones/Dave Ritchie Cup
Wainui will look to their big pack to assert their dominance against the Rams. The home side have built their game around a strong set-piece mixed with powerful ball-running. Wainuiomata will be wary not to slip up against a Rams side who are better than their results suggest. Expect the home side to pull away after a tight first 60 minutes.
Wellington v Oriental-Rongotai
Both teams come into this game determined to make amends for disappointing performances last week. Wellington, in particular, had a tough day containing sevens-rep Ben Lam. The home side will need to shore up their defensive line against a dangerous Ories backline led by Andrew Ellis.
Marist St Pats v Johnsonville
MSP are in confident spirit and they'll be hot favourites to beat the Hawks. Their hard-working pack provide great ball for a backline possessing a potent mix of speed, strength and guile. The Hawks simply must find a way to halt the home side's flow of ball, otherwise it could be a long afternoon for the men in blue.
Paremata-Plimmerton v Avalon Wolves
Both teams will be targeting this game as their best opportunity to get their first win of the season. Expect a tight tussle as two teams try to regain their confidence. Avalon, in particular, will be disappointed in their inability to win tight games after losing two close early-season encounters.
Les Mills Colts Grade
The Colts knock-out tournament reaches its final week with the Eric Connolly (Division One) Cup on the line.
In Division One action, OBU Green take on the Upper Hutt Rams in the competition decider; while Ories host Norths in a fight for 5th place. In Division Two, Petone win by default against Kapiti in the competition decider; while Johnsonville and OBU Black battle for 5th place.
Women's Rugby
The Fleurs Trophy and Division Two competitions continue with some great games coming up in Round Two. Wainuiomata kick off their campaign against first-round winners Norths; while OBU face HOBM. In Division Two action, Poneke face MSP; while Tawa battle with Petone.
