So’oialo and Tawa gearing up for Jubilee Cup final after epic semi-final win

Above: Fulltime on Saturday, with James So’oialo in the foreground and hooker Lotu Nuku behind him and first-five/halfback Solomona Uelese on the left. PHOTO: Tawa RFC Facebook. 

• By Adam Julian

James So’oialo, a father of five, was not supposed to play rugby this year. The 36-year-old seven-time Samoan international, who has three Jubilee Cups and 1,786 premier points to his name, has little left to prove – except for one thing: a promise to his youngest son.

“This year is special for me,” So’oialo said on field in the gathering late afternoon gloom at Lyndhurst Park, pausing as a gentle tear tumbled down his cheek. “I didn’t want to play anymore, but my youngest son Darius has never played rugby. So, I decided to play so he could learn by observation. I have to give it everything.”

Tawa and Johnsonville both gave it their all during their gargantuan Jubilee Cup semi-final. The match featured seven tries and four lead changes in an epic overtime battle, which was ultimately decided by So’oialo in the 95th minute when the scores were tied at 24-24.

A deflection from a lineout at the halfway mark bounced favourably for Tawa, allowing the hosts to gather possession and advance rapidly by 15 meters. Quick ball movement led to strapping winger Rewti Katene-Leat surging to within a whisker of the try line. Meanwhile, So’oialo retreated to create space for a drop kick.

“Pressure was building up on the boys,” So’oialo said. “I saw an opportunity; we had the advantage anyway, so I took it upon myself and thought I might as well have a crack.”

“I hit it pretty well,” the first five-eighths added. This was especially impressive considering he had to retrieve a half-volley pass.

“Actually, it was alright; it was just the guy standing in the way that was the problem. We need to have more clarity in the final, but we’ll enjoy this for what it is.

“I’ve never played in a game like that,” So’oialo reflected. “It was pretty intense – two extra ten-minute halves with no golden point. I came on for the last 20 minutes, and it ended up going for another hour. I felt my age,” he laughed.

So’oialo directing play late in the match on Saturday. Photo: Tane Nathan.

Earlier, Tawa appeared to have the Hawks measure. Brutal tackling from players like Luke Bidois and Faramio Nofoaiga, along with two tries from Wellington Lions blindside flanker Patolu Petaia, propelled the hosts to a 17-5 lead.

“Patolu is an absolute legend of this place, a beast of a young kid,” So’oialo praised.

However, Johnsonville has recently catapulted to a new level. Between 2006 and 2021, Johnsonville won only 10 out of 120 Hardham Cup matches. Since then, they have won 30 games across all competitions, buoyed by local legends like Anthony Pettett, Serge Hollis, and Jacob Walmsley.

Three unanswered tries by Johnsonville pushed the game into extra time, where the visitors took the lead at 24-17.

“They have a brilliant club. I don’t know what they’re doing in their circle, but credit to them for coming here to Lyndhurst Park and giving it their all,” So’oialo remarked. “I never thought it was slipping away. We’re a tight-knit group that stays together when things are going against us and pushes through. In pressure situations, we trust our leaders to come up with solutions.”

Tawa’s seven consecutive wins and six victories in seven matches decided by less than a converted try this season suggests they have the right formula. Since winning their first Jubilee Cup in 2013, Tawa has won 150 out of 228 matches and reached the semifinals nine times.

Up the Tawahas –  the 2013, 2016 and 2021 champions are off to the Jubilee Cup again.

So’oialo was part of the team that secured a 26-21 victory over Oriental Rongotai in the final twelve years ago, scoring 16 points and teaming up with his brother and Jim Brown Medalist, Steven So’oialo. He was also a member of Tawa’s winning squad in 2021 and won his first Jubilee Cup with Norths in 2010, scoring 281 points during that meteoric season.

On May 17, Hutt Old Boys Marist was the last team to defeat Tawa  27-17. The Eagles narrowly edged Paremata-Plimmerton 45-42 in the other semi-final, setting up a chance to claim their first Jubilee Cup since 2014.

“One to go. It will be a tough game. It will come down to staying claim under pressure and taking our opportunities. I can’t wait to hang up the boots,” So’oialo said.

*The only drop goal kicked this season was by Wainuiomata’s Andrew Wells.

Perhaps the most famous drop goals in Jubilee Cup finals history were the two kicked by Poneke’s James Ogden in the Street Kids 9-8 win over Western Surburbs in 1996.

In 1985, Wellington Axemen fullback Evan Hopkin and centre Naera Parata each kicked dropped goals in their 18-3 season decider win over Petone.

In 2001, young MSP first-five Fa’atonu Fili kicked a dropped goal in his side’s 22-16 win over Pōneke in the Jubilee Cup final.

If it’s tight in this Saturday’s final and So’oialo is on the field for Tawa then his supporters will know he has the arsenal to do it all again.

Tawa v Hutt Old Boys Marist. 2025 Jubilee Cup final. This Saturday at Kilbirnie Park, 2.30pm.

The winning dropped goal! 

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