Top-of-the-table clash ahead in the Bartercard Jubilee Cup
It's another busy weekend of rugby ahead, as we reach the middle stages of the Jubilee Cup. The round is highlighted by a top-of-the-table clash between OBU and Hutt Old Boys Marist. It'll be a key round for Ories, Norths and Petone who'll be desperate to secure their first win in the second-round competition.
The Premier Reserve competition is kicking into gear and also features a top-of-the-table match between the OBU and HOBM sides.
The Women's competition is proving as exciting as ever. In the Victoria Tavern Trophy, teams will be relieved to hear Ories have a bye this week following their early-season dominance. It'll be interested in see how Marist St Pats perform against Norths, as third plays second on the table.
The Colts competitions are even, with very little separating the top sides in the Les Mills John E Kelly Memorial Cup. Paris Memorial Trophy winners Petone are facing a stiff challenge from both Tawa and Ories.
Bartercard Jubilee Cup
Old Boys University v Hutt Old Boys Marist
The Goats have made a sensational start to the second-round although they face a tough assignment against HOBM. OBU were simply brilliant against Petone, as they matched pace with power. HOBM have also been impressive, after dominating a big Wainui pack last weekend.
Keep an eye on fullback Matt Poole who has a sharp sidestep combined with a great ability to kick and regather.
Oriental Rongotai v Northern United
This match is always one to look forward to, as two powerful packs face-off. Both teams will be desperate for a win, after disappointing starts to their respective campaigns. Ories, in particular, were unlucky not to win last week against MSP after leading in the final quarter.
Watch out for the Tuitama brothers, who are powerful in midfield and run clever lines.
Marist St Pats v Tawa
Marist St Pats have a knack of winning the close games, particularly in this second-round. The home side showed composure to win last week, matched by some great attacking play. Tawa have a strong pack and they'll again rely on James So'oialo to guide them around the park.
Watch out for MSP's hooker Valentine Meachen, who is a work-horse and a key player.
Petone v Wainuiomata
What happened to Petone last weekend? After a narrow loss to MSP, nothing seemed to go right for them against the Goats. They'll enjoy being back at home although they'll face a tough test against Wainui. Wainuiomata are expected to use their big pack to gain go-forward, before unleashing their backs.
Wainui's Frae Wilson will be a key player for the away side, the former Highlander has a great passing and kicking game.
Hardham Cup
Johnsonville v Avalon
Johnsonville have shown a fair bit of promise this year and their best result came last week as they beat Poneke 27-14. The Hawks have a great mix of youth and experience, with plenty of talent out-wide. Avalon will have gained a lot of confidence from last week's victory against Paremata-Plimmerton and they'll bring plenty of passion.
Keep an eye out for Avalon's Scott Waldrom, after he picked up his 101st Premier cap last weekend.
Upper Hutt Rams v Paremata-Plimmerton
The Rams are a hugely capable side, which they proved against Wellington last weekend. They are a determined team who never give in and expect no less against Paremata-Plimmerton. Paremata-Plimmerton shouldn't be underestimated and they'll be desperate to secure their first win.
Watch out for the McMillan-Parata brothers, who all continue to play huge roles for their club.
Poneke v Wellington
Watch out Wellington, you get the feeling Poneke are due a big game. The proud club have struggled his year and will be hurting after their loss to the Hawks. However, The Axeman are a side capable of causing an upset.
Poneke's Hilton Gibbon's be a key for the home side, given his ability to perform under pressure.
Women's Rugby
In the Victoria Tavern Trophy, the match of the round sees Norths play Marist St Pats. In the other match, Wainui will be determined to pick up their first win against OBU.
In the Second Division competition, HOBM play Petone while Poneke host Paremata-Plimmerton.
Colts Competition
The Les Mills John E Kelly Memorial Cup is proving to be hugely competitive. In the Friday night games, OBU host HOBM and Ories play Norths. The following day, Petone play Paremata-Plimmerton and Marist St Pats host Tawa.
In the Vic Calcinai Memorial Cup, Wellington play OBU Black and Poneke host Avalon. In other games, Johnsonville host Kapiti and Wainui play the Rams.
