
- By Scott MacLean
Rugby feast tomorrow, featuring the last of the club finals and the start of the U19 competition
A banquet of weekend of rugby in Wellington and lower North Island teams tomorrow, including the last of the club and college finals and several representative matches that will all be good viewing.
Club
After kicking off back in early April, tomorrow the curtain falls on the club season with the last piece of WRFU silverware to be won. That is the Reserve Grade Division One John Davies Cup, with Wellington looking to add it to the Mike Copeland Cup they won for the round-robin. However, who’ll they’ll face is not who they expected to after beating the Pare-Plim Punters last Saturday and rather than being Tawa who won the match on the field, they’ll take on the Petone Brotherhood after Tawa were disqualified for what we understand is a breach of the player eligibility rules. Kickoff is at Kilbirnie Park is at 2.45pm.
Under 85s
Another week to wait for both Poneke and Avalon here. Pōneke will head north to face Silverdale in a round three match next Saturday, with Avalon drawn at home against 2023 winners and last years runners-up High School Old Boys from Christchurch in what will be the first of the quarter-finals to be played.
College
The final two matches of the College Sport season get played tomorrow, with St Bernard’s taking on Aotea in the Under 65kg Division 3 final, followed by Wellington College’s U16 Black squad facing Porirua College’s 2nd XV in the Premier 5 plate.
A match of real note is in Palmerston North, where the Hurricanes region representative in the National Top Four for next weekend will be found. CNI competition champions Feilding High will be favourites after taking down Palmerston North Boys last Saturday, while Hastings Boys will look to return for the first time in several years after proceeding from their draw against Silverstream.
Next week is the national winter sports tournament week. Locally that means the Hurricanes Regional Under 15 Tournament headquarted at St Pats Silverstream; though the name these days is a bit of a misnomer as teams come from as far afield as the north side of the Harbour Bridge and Dunedin to take part. Twenty teams are taking part, with an 8-team Division 1 and 12-team Division 2. Wellington champions St Pats Town and Wellington College head away to the Invitational Tournament, which is this year being hosted by South Auckland’s Wesley College.
Representative
Plenty of head scratching undoubtedly for both the Lions and Pride after outings against Otago that they’d want to forget.
The Lions should have spent the week focusing on defensive reads and tackling after the southerners ruthlessly exposed issues in both areas and you can beat that Manawatu – who they face in Palmerston North in the final game of the round on Sunday afternoon – will have noticed that. Coach Trent Renata hasn’t panicked, largely keeping faith with his core, but he has made some changes. Up front Asafo Aumua and Siale Lauaki both start with James O’Reilly and PJ Sheck moving to the bench, while the back three is reshuffled in part to Callum Harkin being ruled out after failing an HIA in last weeks match; Losi Filipo is named on the right wing, Tom Maiava switches to the left, and Stanley Solomon gets handed the fullback jersey which means that, perhaps curiously, Tjay Clarke goes to the bench. Nui Muriwai comes back into the 22 for Mitch McLeod, while Japanese import Hibiki Yamada could make his debut from there. Former Tawa and OBU midfielder Tofuka Paongo is on the bench for the Turbos.
The Pride are in action on Saturday afternoon, and while they should comfortably beat North Harbour in Albany, something approaching a cohesive performance would be a welcome development. Changes are few though, with props Keiana Roffey and Lavinia Lea in from the start with Dora Laupola and Fayth Finau switching to the bench. In the backs Nahliah Tagatauli-Tolova’a returns in place of Litia Bulicakau and Ivana Samani is restored to the right wing. Pare-Plim front rower Roimata Parata and St Mary’s schoolgirl Emerald Tuhiwai-Polson join the bench.
The Under 19s and Centurions each take on Hawkes Bay opposition tomorrow at Rugby League Park. The Under 19s are in action first, taking on their Magpie counterparts in their Central Region competition opener, with the Centurions following against the Saracens, otherwise known as the Hawkes Bay Development side.
The Wellington Samoans are also at home, facing the Manawatu Development side on Porirua Park #2.
A new representative team is in action for the first time tomorrow.
The Wellington Pasifika U18s play the Manawatu Māori Colts at Colquhoun Park, Palmerston North on Saturday. Kick-off 12.30pm.
Te Upoko Wellington Maori go south for their annual clash with Waiataha Canterbury Maori which is being played at the Belfast club, home of NZ and Maori rugby legend Billy Bush. They’ll play for the Sir Eruera Tirikatene Shield
Also heading south are the two Heartland Championship sides. Horowhenua-Kapiti are off to Ashburton for what should be an early test of their credentials against a Mid-Canterbury side that beat defending champions Thames Valley last week, while Wairarapa-Bush are two stops further south to face North Otago in Oamaru and looking to return last year’s home towelling on the locals.
Teams (as provided):
Wellington Lions
- Xavier Numia (Ories), 2. Asafo Aumua (Avalon), 3. Siale Lauaki (Norths), 4. Hugo Plummer (Tawa), 5. Akira Ieremia (Tawa), 6. Caleb Delany (OBU), 7. Sione Halalilo (Ories), 8. Brad Shields (Petone – captain), 9. Esi Komaisavai (Pare-Plim), 10. Jackson Garden-Bachop (Norths), 11. Tom Maiava (Ories), 12. Julian Savea (Ories), 13. Matt Proctor (Ories), 14. Losi Filipo (Petone), 15. Stanley Solomon (Petone) | 16. James O’Reilly (HOBM), 17. Kenshi Yamamoto (Japan) 18. PJ Sheck (Tawa), 19. Matolu Petaia (Tawa), 20. Dominic Ropeti (Ories), 21. Nui Muriwai (HOBM), 22. Tjay Clarke (Petone), 23. Hibiki Yamada (Japan)
Manawatu Turbos
- Joe Gavigan, 2. Vernon Bason, 3. Feleti Sae Ta’ufo’ou, 4. Rob Harley, 5. Taine Roiri, 6. TK Howden, 7. Joe Fabish, 9. Brayden Iose, 9. Jordi Viljoen, 10. Brett Cameron, 11. James Tofa, 12. Ngani Laumape, 13. Kyle Brown, 14. Taniela Filimone, 15. Drew Wild | 16. Raymond Tuputupu, 17. Malakai Ngatai, 18. Misinale Epenisa, 19. Reuben Allen, 20. Mosese Bason, 21. Jai Tamati, 22. Sam Coles, 23. Tofuka Paongo
Wellington Pride
- Keiana Roffey (Poneke), 2. Valini Vaka (MSP – captain), 3. Lavinia Lea (Petone), 4. Sanita Levave (Norths), 5. Xanthe Somerville (MSP), 6. Lourdes Faifua (Petone), 7. Anyis Drossaerts-Lake (Norths), 8. Jackie Patea-Fereti (Petone), 9. Milly Mackey (Petone), 10. Arene Landon-Lane (Norths), 11. Harmony Kautai (Petone), 12. Madi Gold (Petone), 13. Nahliah Tagatauli-Tolova’a (MSP), 14. Ivana Samani (Ories), 15. Keira Su’a-Smith (Petone) | 16. Dora Laupola (Norths), 17. Fayth Finau (Petone), 18. Roimata Parata (Pare-Plim), 19. Canon Hakaraia (Wainuiomata), 20. Jessica Jackson (Poneke – Debut), 21. Te Arani Te Puni (Pare-Plim), 22. Baylee Merioti (Norths), 23. Emerald Tuhiwai-Polson (St Marys/Petone – Debut)
Wellington Centurions
- Geordie Bean (OBU), 2. Penieli Poasa (Ories), 3. Jake Wetere (MSP), 4. Teofilo Paulo (HOBM – captain), 5. Harry Irving (OBU), 6. Conner Tuifao (Petone), 7. Jordan Chapman (Wellington), 8. Cody Lokotui (Wellington), 9. Mitch McLeod (OBU), 10. Waylon Tuhoro-Robinson (HOBM), 11. Jacob Walmsley (Jville), 12. Olly Paotonu (Jville), 13. Kapu Broughton-Winterburn (HOBM), 14. Finlay Sharp (Jville), 15. Jacob Denyer (Tawa) | 16. Harry Press (HOBM), 17. Senio Sanele (Upper Hutt), 18. Ha’amea Ahio (Jville), 19. Jeremiah Avei-Collins (Norths), 20. David Johnson (Ories), 21. Logan Henry (Petone), 22. Ieti Campbell (Upper Hutt), 23. Caleb Robson (Poneke), 24. Jacob Kennedy (Jville), 25. Viliame Rarasea (MSP)
Hawkes Bay Development
- Manahi Goulton (c), 2. Dylan Homan, 3. Patrick Teddy, 4. Eli Rore, 5. Senfu Kamei, 6. Lansen Randell, 7. Ryeon Yoon, 8. Hugh Taylor (vc), 9. Caleb Horsefield, 10. Hoera Stephenson, 11. Charlie Nash, 12. Meni Manase, 13. Anaru Paenga-Morgan, 14. Neria Fomai, 15. CJ Mienie | 16. Valentino Taito, 17. Jayden Walker, 18. Lachie Gunson, 19. Oto Katoa, 20. Oscar Ritchie, 21. Sunia Ragede, 22. Bogi Kikau, 23. Elia Bari
Wellington U19
- Hamish Huggins (Poneke), 2. Semurana Fepule’ai (Ories), 3. Corban King (MSP), 4. Sam Thomson (Petone), 5. Preston Moananu (MSP), 6. Tyler Craig (HOBM), 7. Luke Bidois (Tawa), 8. Ollie Church (OBU), 9. Mike Brown (Poneke), 10. Liam Slight (Upper Hutt), 11. Max Reynolds (MSP), 12. Jayde Burns (MSP), 13. Dante Ford-Tuveve (MSP), 14. Brodee Tetevano (HOBM), 15. Eden Govind (Tawa) | 16. Cazna Logovae-Sale (MSP), 17. Noah Krijnen (HOBM), 18. Elijah Talalupe (Poneke), 19. Tane Landon-Lane (Norths), 20. Naea Fiu (Poneke), 21. Levi Morgan (HOBM), 22. Jake Lawson (OBU), 23. Adam Jansen van Vuuren (Petone)
Hawkes Bay U19
- Rico Kara, 2. Jericho Wharehinga, 3. Membranz Tahu, 4. Zach Taulapapa, 5. George Hancy, 6. Kane Ngawhare, 7. Drew Berg-McLean, 8. Perez Malo (c), 9. Le’Sharn Reiri-Paku (vc), 10. Luke Thomas, 11. James Bayliss, 12. Sio Folau, 13. Yuri Dempsey, 14. Isimeli Vono, 15. Connor Hawkins | 16. Tyrone Mauheni, 17. Saia Tuimaualuga, 18. Matua Ward, 19. Luka Kyle, 20. Patrick Mauga, 21. Oliver Arcus, 22. Troy Thomas, 23. Marcus Leach
Te Upoko Wellington Maori
- Solomon Hippolite (Tawa – Ngāti Toa Rangatira), 2. Damien Henare (HOBM – Ngā Rauru-Kitahi/Ngā Puhi), 3. Evan Bishop (Tawa – Ngāti Toa Rangatira), 4. Xavier Woodhouse-Tavai (Norths – Ngāti Tuwharetoa), 5. Tahana Firmin (Jville – Te Āti Haunui-a-Papārangi), 6. Olano Afutoto (Norths – Ngāti Porou), 7. Matty Jacobs (Wainuiomata – Ngāpuhi), 8. Hemi Fermanis (Tawa – Ngāti Toa Rangatira), 9. Isaac Bracewell (Ories – Ngāpuhi), 10. Luke Walmsley (Norths – Tuhourangi/Te Arawa), 11. Te Manawa Staples-Rei (Pare-Plim – Ngāti Toa Rangatira), 12. Tyler Tane (Wainuiomata – Ngāti Maniapoto), 13. Rewiti Leat (Tawa – Ngāti Apa/Ngāti Porou), 14. Potene Rolls-Paewai (Upper Hutt – Ngāti Kauwhata/Te Arawa), 15. Declan Hay (Ories – Ngāi Tahu) | 16. Evan Paenga (Tawa – Ngāti Toa Rangatira), 17. Danny Herewini (Pare-Plim – Te Arawa/Ngāti Porou), 18. Jalen Lambert (Norths – Ngāti Kahungunu), 19. Randall Paenga (Tawa – Ngāti Toa Rangatira), 20. Jesse Robertson (Ngāti Toa Rangatira), 21. Te Aranga Hakiwai (Wellington – Ngāti Porou/Rongowhakaata), 22. Jordan-Glen Bradbrook (Petone – Ngāi Tamanuhiri/Ngāti Kahungunu/Ngāti Toa Rangatira/Ngāti Porou)
Wellington Samoans
TBC
Wellington U18 Pasifika
- Jacob Epeli (Scots), 2. Toui Isozaki (WC), 3. Tevita Bulai (Scots), 4. Simeon Fa’atoafe (Ories), 5. Caleb Mallet (WC), 6. Taniela Tuangalu (WC), 7. Joseph Sailo (Scots), 8. Ksam Kereti (Taita), 9. Ethan Mupariwa (WC), 10. Rio Kosaka (WC), 11. Mesi Letele (Rongotai), 12. Junior Fa’avale (Taita), 13. Taysian Davey-Tiotio (WC), 14. Koby Bryce (Poneke), 15. Fraser Lindsay (WC) | 16. Nathaniel Matega (Poneke), 17. Owen Cosgrove (Scots), 18. Roman Faatoafe (Rongotai), 19. Sam Kelemete (Rongotai), 20. Mason Harris (Silverstream), 21. Matiu Lowery Robson (HVHS), 22. Sikeli Tikoimatuku (Rongotai), 23. Samu Tikoimatuku (Rongotai), 24. Harley Logovae (WC), 25. Kini Bryce (Newlands), 26. Salvation Puepue (Newlands), 27. Te Aria Maui (WC)
Horowhenua-Kapiti
1.George Jacobs (Foxton), 2. Brad Reilly (Paraparaumu), 3. Ted Northcott (Rahui), 4. Dallas Wiki (Shannon), 5. Mikaere Harvey (Foxton), 6. Pene To’o (Loan – Upper Hutt), 7. Jack Sturmey (Loan), 8. Mika Alaifatu (Loan – HOBM), 9. TJ Barnsley (Paraparaumu), 10. Rory Woollett (Loan – Petone), 11. Joeli Rauca (Foxton – Debut), 12. Connor Paki (Foxton), 13. Darren Falaniko (Wanderers), 14. Max Hosking (Paraparaumu), 15. Sean Pape (Shannon) | 16. Tala Fonoti (Levin COB – Debut), 17. David McErlean (Foxton), 18. Michael Laursen (Foxton), 19. Stephen Burnell (Shannon), 20. Chris Salu (Levin COB), 21. Aaron Lahmert (Waikanae), 22. Jayson Aquila (Paraparaumu), 23. Willie Paia’aua (Levin COB)
Wairarapa-Bush
- Tupou Lea’aemanu (Carterton – Captain), 2. Lewis Bush (Greytown), 3. Fakaonga Lea’aemanu (Carterton), 4. Malakai Biumaiwai (Greytown), 5. Alec Odell (Loan – PN OBM), 6. Isireli Biumaiwai (Greytown), 7. Marcus Ale (Marist), 8. Folau Finau Vea (Loan – OBU), 9. Sam Walton-Sexton (Greytown), 10. Jack Eschenbach (Martinborough), 11. Gracyn Evans (Greytown), 12. Jack Delaney (Loan – Feilding), 13. Levi Harmon (Pioneer), 14. Charles Mataitai (Marist), 15. Boitumelo Tsatsane (Greytown – Debut) | 16. Terongo Tekii (Carterton), 17. Stan Wright Jr (Marist), 18. Jeramiah Mapusua (Marist) 19. Cody Cunningham (Martinborough), 20. Thomas Williams (East Coast), 21. Daryl Pickering (Carterton), 22. Bryce Cummings (Martinborough), 23. Nathan Hunt (Martinborough)