Clutch eleventh round club rugby fixtures this weekend

Dominic Ropeti and Ories can win this year’s Swindale Shield title with two rounds to spare with victory at home over the Wellington Axemen tomorrow. Photo: Hugh Pretorius.

• By Scott MacLean & Steven White

Dry conditions are expected tomorrow as the 11th round of the Swindale Shield kicks off around the region with much to play for in all games. It’s Women’s competition semi-finals time, while a full round of other club and  the top two college grades are being played.

Tipping Competition: Enter your tips by Saturday 2.30pm at: https://www.faceyoursfears.com/games/WGTN2025/join

Radio Commentary. This Saturday, the E Tū Whānau Footy Show comes from Kilbirnie Park in the fixture between Po and Old Boys University. On air at Te Upoko Radio – 87.6FM in the central city, 1161AM across the region, or stream it on iHeart Radio, the Whare Kōrero app, and online at www.teupoko.nz.

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Draws & Results website. These pages and all historical information 2005-24 at at https://clubrugby.co.nz/wellington/games-results.php?competition=71&season=22&Submit=Go  (Access to our administration pages still remains offline)

For Draws & Results please visit this page here: https://clubrugby.nz/wp/2025-wgtn-club-live-scores/

For this week’s line-ups please visit the article link here:

Round 11 Swindale Shield – just the teamlists

Premier Swindale Shield

As we do at this point of the season, we take a look at the teams and what they have left in the Swindale Shield.

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Oriental Rongotai
1st on 50 points
To play: Wellington (H), Poneke (H), Wainuiomata (A)

Since it was put back into play in 1969, Oriental-Rongotai have never gotten their hands on the Swindale Shield. Win tomorrow at home against Wellington, and that will become reality as they’ll have an unassailable lead at the head of the table. Should they do that, then the focus moves to tuning up for the playoffs and seeing if they can achieve the Holy Grail of a perfect 13 wins and 65 competition points.

Ories have their injury concerns, but can still put out a strong team tomorrow that will be favoured to do this, with the likes of captain Dominic Ropeti and Sione Halalilo in the forwards and Tom Maiava at centre. One new face is at halfback where Arron Gollan is set to make his debut from the bench, with Isaac Bracewell now away for a short time representing New Zealand in crossfit.

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Petone
2nd= on 38 points
To play: Norths (H), Pare-Plim (A), HOBM (A)

Hutt Old Boys Marist
2nd= on 38 points
To play: MSP (A), Upper Hutt (H), Petone (H)

The McBain pair are deadlocked in second, and still have their famed contest to play in the last round. Both will fancy their chances of a top four place, if not finishing second and hosting one of those first week matches. But while they’ll each be favourites for their matches tomorrow against sides destined for the Hardham Cup section, they also have contests next weekend against teams that have the same ambitions that they do.

Petone welcome back three frontline players to play Norths, two of them Super Rugby players. Connor Tuifao returns from a brief trip to France to line up at No. 8, while Losi Filipo (Moana Pasifika) and TJ Clarke (Hurricanes) slot in at centre and fullback respectively. Tom Carter starts off the bench, while Jermaine Pepe is not involved this week. Petone are also fielding an unchanged tight five.

HOBM have lock Teofilo Paulo playing his 40th match of the side, in a settled pack with two changes. These see Vili Tauofaga come back to tighthead prop for Nonu Tuia and Fred Sunia to blindside for Lise Soloa. Wellington Lions halfback Nu Muriwai replaces Waylon Tuhoro-Robinson while in one change out wide Nathan Tunuvasa starts on the left wing for Fritz Rayasi.

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Upper Hutt Rams
4th= on 37 points
To play: Pare-Plim (H), HOBM (A), Johnsonville (H)

Paremata-Plimmerton
4th= on 37 points
To play: Upper Hutt (A), Petone (H), Tawa (H)

It’s easy to pair these two since they face off tomorrow at Maidstone Park. They’ll both be pushing for a top four place but don’t have the relative luxury of any matches against those teams at the bottom of the table; rather they’ll be facing the sides they’re battling on the table for seeding. At the very least, the next three weeks will represent a hard tune-up for the matches to follow.

Some changes for the Rams for this match, starting in the front row with Tohu Fahamokioa coming into loosehead prop for Senio Sanele. Sio Fidow replaces Jack Wright at openside flanker. The Rams also get some of their calvary back from injury in the backs, with Ieti Campbell and Emmanuel Solomona starting in the midfield and Todd Svenson and Kaide McCashin coming on to the bench.

Paremata-Plimmerton are without Werda Maligi-Leota tomorrow, with Marley Fretton set to start and the versatile James Coburn switching to tighthead prop. Still in the front row, Toby Mallon starts against his former club. In other changes to the Hammerheads, Davis Eni starts at blindside flanker with Zeke Fiso moving to the bench, Marzy Karim lines up at centre with Joe Faleafaga to the wing and Sione Baker at fullback.

Note: This match at Maidstone Park is at a later 3.45pm kickoff to allow Pare-Plim players and staff to attend the funeral of Adam Vardey tomorrow morning.

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Pōneke
6^th on 36 points
To play: OBU (H), Ories (A), Norths (H)

The first thing Pōneke need to do is banish the demons of last week where they were blown off their own field by HOBM. They still control their own destiny, and a win tomorrow against OBU would secure their place in the first week of the Jubilee playoffs. But a loss could make things rather difficult, given they have the Jim Grbich contest with Ories next week and could need something else to go their way during that last round match against Norths.

Two changes in the front two for Pōneke, with Andrew Jones starting at hooker and Hamish Huggins at tighthead prop for his first start. Italian Luca Bellucci starts at openside flanker. In the backs, Jimmy Lee-Hongara replaces Mike Brown at scrumhalf while Ifeanyichukwu Nnebechukwu returns to the left wing.

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Tawa
7th on 35 points
To play: Johnsonville (A), Wainuiomata (H), Pare-Plim (A)

Johnsonville
8th on 33 points
To play: Tawa (H), Norths (A), Upper Hutt (A)

Like Upper Hutt and Pare-Plim, these two are linked on the table and face off tomorrow at Helston Park. Aside from their own match, it’s the result at Kilbirnie Park that will be of most immediate interest to both as an OBU loss would be the ideal result for both. But should the Goats win, it could present some nerves going into next week for the loser while the winner will be well placed to crack that top-four.

In Johnsonville team news, there are four changes to the pack to that which missed out to Petone last week. Regan Herbert replaces Raja Sammy at hooker, Mike Faimalo for Lucas Aukuso at tighthead, Koloa Aisake for Tahana Firmin at lock and Serge Hollis for Regan Herbert at No. 8. A new halfback too, with Aidan Eastwood coming into the starting XV for Sukulu Cama, and Manihera Gardiner into fullback for the injured Finlay Sharp.

For Tawa, experienced hooker Lotu Nuku returns to the starting line-up, with Joyner Gaualofa moving back to loosehead prop. Hemi Fermanis moves to No. 8 in place of metre-eater George Risale who departed the field injured last week. No Jacob Denyer this week either, with Randall Bishop playing fullback. On the subject of vast experience, Tawa can call on Jeff Makapelu, James So’oialo and Nigel Hunt as backline reserves.

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Old Boys-University
9^th on 25 points
To play: Poneke (A), Wellington (A), Avalon (H)

It is remarkable that a team with just three wins are still in play, but courtesy of their thirteen bonus points OBU are still alive. Taking the maximum from each would be the bare minimum needed but if they beat Pōneke tomorrow, they would be well in the discussion with the Axemen and Wolves still to play. A loss however would see their chances of a remarkable title defence on life-support if not done and dusted.

The big news for OBU supporters is that Callum Harkin returns from his maiden Super Rugby foray and lines up at first-five for this key clash. Harkin comes in for Tom Henderson who switches to fullback. In other tweaks to their side from last week, Oskar Lynch starts at lock for Johnny Falloon and Reece Plumtree moves to the left wing and Calum Koeburgh to the right wing.

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Of the remainder, 10^th-placed Wainuiomata (18) have a mathematical chance but it relies on taking maximum points from all three matches AND Johnsonville getting nothing (who they hold the head-to-head tiebreaker over) in that period AND overtaking OBU in the standings.

Wainuiomata’s line-up to play Avalon tomorrow features a couple of changes to their forwards and bench and an unchanged backline from last week. Jason Matehe comes into the front row for Jordan Sului with Kade Tiatia switching across to the loosehead side of their scrum. In one straight swap, Manu Anae comes into the starting XV for veteran Teru Time.

For the remaining sides; Marist St Pat’s (16), Norths (13), Wellington (9), and Avalon (3), the longer-term view is on the Hardham Cup. In the immediacy though, there’s the opportunities to throw a spanner into the works of the aspirations of the teams further up the ladder.

MSP enter their clash with an unchanged forward pack to take on their Eagles opposites. There are some changes to their backs though, such as with Jayde Burns returning to halfback and Daniel Rodgers starting at first-five with Tomasi Connor at fullback in the absence of Luke Kapene.

Norths have a new lock pairing for their match at Petone from that which played last week on Old Timers’ Day, with Tane Landon-Lane and Xavier Woodhouse-Tavai in the second row. Tavita Logovae replaces Faifili Leavave at blindside and Luca Rees for Jeremiah Avei-Collins at No. 8 rounding out four changes in the forwards. The backline is unchanged.

The Axemen have made one change to their starting pack to take on Ories, with Mannfred Sofara replacing To’e Lokeni at hooker. There are no changes to their starting backline, making it a settled side. They continue to blood new players to the competition though and replacement back Eddie Vuli looks set to become the Swindale Shield’s latest player should he take the field.

For Avalon, Phil Green runs out to play his 50^th match at blindside flanker, while Jacob Faifai returns to the loosehead propping position. In the backs, Hami Henry starts at halfback inside Jordan Aquila, while a re-jig out wide includes Callum Broughton shifting to wing, Tobi Oliver to fullback and Jerry Setefano to centre.

Six of tomorrows matches have an interclub trophy in play:

• Ories and Wellington contest their Alby Jack Memorial Trophy. Jack played for Oriental before and after World War II and was a member of the Jubilee Cup-winning combined side with Poneke during it when not on war service. From 1950 onwards he was with the Axemen, playing, coaching, and then in club management. Ories are the holders.
• MSP and HOBM play for their Father Cleary Shield. Tom Cleary was a sportsmaster at St Patricks, a 1^st XV coach, and a founder of the St Pats Old Boys club. Donated in his name for play against Marist when relations between the two clubs were ‘difficult’ at best, it’s been played against HOBM since their own merger in 1993. It’s held by HOBM.
• Poneke and OBU play for their Beet Algar Rosebowl. Algar came from a musical family hence the name Beethoven, and was a Poneke man through and through. A senior championship winner, Wellington representative, and an All Black a century ago. After his playing days he served in management, and was the clubs Patron at the time of his passing in 1978. It’s held by OBU from their win last season.
• The Carman Cup is the prize between Johnsonville and Tawa. A noted author and editor, Arthur Carman was a Johnsonville member who became Tawa’s first patron on their formation and entry into the union in 1947, which was supported and sponsored by Johnsonville. Tawa are the holders.
• Petone and Norths play for their Collins Memorial Trophy, named in memory of Willie Collins and his All Black cousin Jerry who both passed away in accidents within months of each other. Petone hold this, while the player of the match in this fixture also receives the Willie Collins Memorial Medal.
• Finally, Avalon and Wainuiomata contest their Anthony Waldrom Trophy. Waldrom Sr played first-five for the William Jones side, while his two sons Thomas and Scott – who really don’t need any introduction – played their club rugby at Avalon during their impressive rugby careers. Wainuiomata are the holders.

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Premier 2 Harper Lock Shield

A lot still to be determined here in the remaining weeks. Leaders Petone (45) will look to maintain their place when they host Norths (16) at the Petone Rec while Poneke (44) will want to keep the pressure on when they host OBU (40) who have hit the skids at just the wrong time of their title defence. MSP (42) are two points further back, but have a brutal assignment against HOBM (41) in the Ian Galloway cage who will still harbour title hopes despite their loss across the road last week.

Tawa (36) will believe they can sneak into the top four when they visit Johnsonville (16) at Newlands Park, with Wainuiomata (14) away to Avalon (11) at Fraser Park.

There’s one match tonight under the Maidstone lights, with eighth-placed Upper Hutt (26) looking to put breathing space between themselves and the rest when they meet ninth-placed Pare-Plim (19). The remaining match between Ories (27) and Wellington (4) is not going ahead; we’re told by mutual agreement.

Premier Women’s Tia Paasi Memorial and Izzy Ford Cups

The first set of playoff matches for the year comes in the Women’s grade, ahead of their finals at Rugby League Park next Saturday. In the championship Tia Paasi Memorial division Petone host the only side they’ve lost to this season when Marist St Pats come to visit. MSP will prefer the outcome of that first meeting and not their more recent one where the Villagers handed out a 60-0 thumping. The other match is at Jerry Collins Stadium, where Norths will look to make it three wins on the year over Oriental Rongotai and book their place back in the final.

The two Izzy Ford Cup matches are repeats of last week. Wainuiomata and Avalon meet again at William Jones Park with the two having split their meetings so far this season but with the Wolves’ win – on a miserable Thursday night on neutral ground at Maidstone – looking like the outlier. The other sees Paremata-Plimmerton and Poneke lock horns again, only this time out at Ngati Toa Domain. Pare-Plim have won both meetings, and another will see them have the chance to defend the title they won last year.

Colts Paris Memorial

Leaders Tawa (30) return from the bye looking to consolidate their place at the head of the table, but face OBU (18) at Lyndhurst with the young Goats trying themselves to make the top half of the table. The Upper Hutt Rams (29) will want to keep pace and get back on track after suffering their first loss, and meets Ories (22*) out at the Polo Ground. Petone and MSP are both on 24 and they clash at the Petone Rec, with Poneke (18*) and Norths (12) meeting at Kilbirnie Park. The final match of the day is between the bottom two, with Pare-Plim (11) facing winless Johnsonville (-2*) at Ngati Toa. HOBM (29*) have the bye this round.

(Note: All teams receive three points for the bye in this grade. Teams with an * are yet to have theirs)

Under 85kg Paul Potiki and Tony O’Brien Shields

The lightweights now split for the remainder of their club season. Five teams will contest the championship Paul Potiki division, starting with a 1.00pm on a very neutral ground at the Hutt Rec as Wellington look to repeat their earlier win over JC Bowl winners Tawa. Following at 2.45pm Johnsonville and Avalon take to Nairnville Park, while the OBU Scallywags have the bye.

The Division 2 Tony O’Brien Shield has the remaining four teams. Eastbourne are at home against Hutt Old Boys Marist with Pare-Plim now hosting MSP, both at 2.45pm.

College

Three matches tomorrow to complete round four of the Premiership following Wednesday’s narrow wins for Silverstream 16-15 over Wellington College and St Bernard’s 24-22 over Rongotai, as well as the last round three match which saw Wairarapa College defeat Tawa 26-15 in what doubled as their annual clash. On the north side of the Remutaka’s it’s the second local derby of the season with Rathkeale hosting Wairarapa this time, while on the Wellington side both matches are now at 11.30am in new venues with Hutt International and Scots at the CIS campus and St Pats Town and Tawa at the SPC Artifici

In Premier 2 three teams are unbeaten through three rounds. The Wellington College 2nds meet their Town counterparts now at 10am on the Town turf, with the Silverstream 2nds hosting Kapiti followed later by Hutt Valley HS now travelling up to Silverstream to play the Stream 3rds. Porirua host Paraparaumu in the fourth match going ahead, while Mana and Bishop Viard’s game is in limbo with nowhere available to play it tomorrow.

All other college rugby was cancelled by Friday lunchtime owing to rain and wetness that has closed fields.

Elsewhere

Part II of the Manawatu Hankins Shield starts tomorrow, highlighted by the blockbuster clash between Kia Toa and Massey at Bill Brown Park. Across town Freyberg face Old Boys Marist, Linton Army head to Rongotea to take on Te Kawau, and Feilding Old Boys-Oroua and College Old Boys clash in Kimbolton. Feilding Yellows have the bye this week.

Tomorrow’s trio of matches in Horowhenua Kapiti sees champions Foxton head east to face Shannon. Waikanae are at home to take on Levin Wanderers, with one of the ‘traditional’ clashes as Levin College Old Boys are at home for the visit of Paraparaumu. Rahui have the bye.

And in Wairarapa Bush the fifth round sees leading duo Greytown and Carterton both in Masterton. Greytown are at Colombo Road to face Masterton Red Star while Carterton are across the river to take on Pioneer. Third-placed Martinborough are at home against Marist, with Eketahuna making the trip out to Whareama to play East Coast.