Semi-final rugby ahead
Finals rugby has arrived! You’d be a brave person to confidently predict a winner of the Jubilee Cup. Every team is capable of winning- Tawa are the reigning champions and you get a sense of unpredictability with them. OBU have been outstanding all season and probably go in as favourites but both MSP and HOBM are timing their run well. Expect some nail-biting moments!
The Hardham Cup, with a further three rounds still to go, is all go. Upper Hutt and Johnsonville remain in a strong position, followed by Poneke who are improving. Wellington, in 4th place, have plenty of work to do.
One half of the Premier Reserve competition- the Ed Chaney Cup- has reached semi-final time. OBU head into the finals with confidence, having led the competition for long periods. MSP, Tawa and Petone may have something to say about that!
The women’s competitions are equally exciting. Ories will be confident, following their outright dominance in the Victoria Tavern Trophy. In the Senior Women’s grade, Petone hold the favourites tag following their 94-0 thrashing of Tawa in last week’s final round.
Colts rugby has been competitive all year and you can expect the intensity to go up a notch this weekend. In the Les Mills John E Kelly Memorial Cup, it’ll be a highly anticipated semi-final between Petone and Tawa. Petone- winners of the first-round Paris Memorial Trophy- will be determined to continue their success.
In the Les Mills Vic Calcinai Memorial Cup, Upper Hutt and Kapiti head into semi-final stages as top qualifiers, as they play Wainui and Poneke respectively.
Jubilee Cup
Semi-final One: OBU v Tawa, 2.30pm, Porirua Park
On paper, OBU look like hot favourites to take out the Jubilee Cup. The Swindale Shield winners have been in great form all season. With the experienced Tomasi Palu and Dale Sabbagh guiding the team around the park and a pacey backline- they’ll be tough to beat.
Tawa are capable of causing an upset. Their pack is strong and they have plenty of pace out wide. They’ll need to be consistent for 80+ minutes, as OBU are a patient side who’ll punish any opposition errors.
Semi-final Two: MSP v HOBM, 2.30pm, Evans Bay Park
Expect this match to go to the wire. MSP are a balanced side, who can rely on the experience of Fa’atonu Fili and the raw talent of 19 year-old Wellington Academy player Billy Proctor.
HOBM cannot be underestimated. They have a pack that can match anyone, led by the impressive Joe Apikatoa and Lui Luamanu. Their backs are dangerous and Fereti Soloa will convert most opportunities he receives.
Hardham Cup
Avalon (5th) v Poneke (3rd)
Poneke are starting to fight their way back into the competition, following a 15-all draw against a strong Johnsonville side. Avalon play with plenty of passion, so they shouldn’t be written off.
Upper Hutt (1st) v Johnsonville (2nd)
This is a crunch match. The Rams have had a strong team this year and it’s great to see Josh Brown’s form rewarded with selection into the Lions Training Squad. The Hawks, whose veteran leader Kane Thompson has also been named in Chris Gibbes squad, have played exciting, open rugby this year. Expect this match to go to the wire.
Wellington (4th) v Paremata-Plimmerton (6th)
Expect a bit of a tussle between two mid-table teams. Wellington, who have competed well overall this year, may face a tough match against Paremata-Plimmerton who are capable of causing an upset.
Women’s Rugby
The Victoria Tavern Trophy reaches the business end this weekend, with some great match-ups. It’s hard to see Ories getting toppled, but you never know…
Petone are the team to beat in the Senior Women’s grade, after their great form throughout the season.
Semi-final One: Oriental-Rongotai v Marist St Pats
Semi-final Two: Northern United v Old Boys University
Semi-final One: Petone v Hutt Old Boys Marist
Semi-final Two: Poneke v Paremata-Plimmerton
Colts Competition
The Les Mills John E Kelly Memorial Cup sees the some of the ‘big hitters’ Ories, OBU, Petone and Tawa clubs facing off. It’s tough to predict, with all teams very evenly matched.
Semi-final One: Ories v OBU
Semi-final Two: Petone v Tawa
In the Les Mills Vic Calcinai Memorial Cup, the Rams face a tough encounter against Wainui while Kapiti host Poneke. It’ll be interesting to see how Poneke perform, following their loss to the same opposition a few weeks ago.
Semi-final One: Upper Hutt Rams v Wainuiomata
Semi-Final Two: Kapiti v Poneke
