Jack Lamason Trophy on the line in top-of-the-table clash
It's another cracking weekend of rugby ahead, headlined by some big clashes in Round Six of the Swindale Shield. The match between OBU and MSP promises to be a titanic struggle, closely followed by an intriguing encounter between Wainui and Ories. It's a critical week for the likes of Upper Hutt, Tawa, Poneke and Wellington who are desperate to emerge from the bottom-half of the table.
The Premier Reserve competition is kicking into gear, again headlined by a top-of-the-table clash between OBU and MSP.
Following the completion of the Les Mills knock-out competition, the Colts grade moves into regular season. The Paris Memorial Trophy is shaping up to be as competitive as ever, with OBU Green the team to beat following their 2016 triumph and pre-season form.
The Women's competitions the Fleur Trophy/Division Two heads into Round Three, following some big score lines in the opening two rounds.
All other WRFU competitions are running as per usual on a busy Anzac Weekend. Good luck to all teams involved.
Swindale Shield
OBU v Marist St Pats
Playing for: Jack Lamason Memorial Cup
As if the curtain-raisers weren't enough, this game is shaping up as the match of the round. To add to the occasion, the Jack Lamason Memorial Cup is on the line. The interclub Cup is in memory of Lamason, a former Wellington College and St Patrick's Old Boy representative. The talented player excelled at both rugby and cricket, having represented the national cricket side in 1937.
The Goats are leading the competition in both attack and defence, with an impressive points difference of +168. Despite their dominance, MSP will have every chance of toppling last year's competition winners. The key aspect is whether MSP can get enough ball to feed their backline packed full of raw talent.
Wainuiomata v Oriental-Rongotai
This clash sees two big packs face off in what should be a fierce, physical match. Wainui are tough to beat in front of their home fans, where they have a knack of winning the tight games. Expect the home side to keep the game tight and rely on their big pack to rumble the ball forward.
Ories should be able to match Wainui up-front and expect them to unleash their big ball-runners led by stocky second-five Paulo Aukuso. Expect some sore bodies after this epic clash.
Poneke v Wellington Axeman
Playing for: Spud Lindsay Memorial Trophy
This game is a critical one for both sides, following their respective losses last weekend. Poneke will be determined to make amends for last week's performance, a match compounded by errors and ill-discipline. The Axeman must lift their performance to stand a chance, particularly at scrum time where they were dismantled last week against Ories.
Upper Hutt Rams v Paremata-Plimmerton
Upper Hutt will be desperate to take at least four points from this game to remain in the top-half of the ladder. The Rams will be frustrated by last week's tight loss to Wainui after leading 21-5 at halftime, a game in which they struggled for quality possession.
If the home side can get their fair share of ball, expect their backs to cause havoc led by Hayden Schrijvers sniping runs and impressive winger Max Pearson. Paremata-Plimmerton must get off to a strong start to stand a chance.
Johnsonville v Hutt Old Boys Marist
HOBM will be wary not to slip up against a Hawks side who have the potential to upset. The home side have shown promise at times this season, led by veteran Kane Thompson. The Eagles are a dangerous outfit who have the second-best attacking record in the competition. Expect the away side to pull away in the final 20 minutes of this encounter.
Avalon Wolves v Northern United
This will be a tough ask for the Wolves who are yet to pick up their first win this season. The home side have been unable to win the tight contests this season and they'll be desperate to prove a point against a strong Norths team. Expect the away side's mobile, big pack to prove too much for Avalon.
Tawa v Petone
This is a key match for both teams as they try to keep up with the top-half of the table. After a slow start to the season, Tawa are seeking their third consecutive win. The home side have a backline capable to tearing apart any opposition defence although they'll miss Ben Lam who is on Hurricanes duty. Petone have been impressive at times this season and they'll be seeking a more consistent performance against last year's Jubilee Cup winners.
Colts Competition
The Paris Memorial Trophy/JRD Cup starts this weekend with some great games. The match of the round is arguably OBU Green v MSP, both top performers in last year's competition. Others matches in the Division One competition are: Norths v Ories, Poneke v Upper Hutt and Tawa v Petone.
In the JRD Cup; Johnsonville face HOBM, MSP host OBU Black, Paremata-Plimmerton are away to Kapiti while Wainui host Avalon.
Women's Rugby
Round Three of the Fleurs Trophy/Division Two competition kicks off with some big clashes. HOBM take on Wainui; while OBU must be at their best to beat Ories- who are in confident mood after putting on 100 points against Marist in Round One.
Division Two sees MSP host Petone; while Poneke travel to play Paremata-Plimmerton.
