Close games expected as Swindale Shield reaches halfway point

Wainuiomata are back home this weekend to host the Wellington Axemen for the Bill Jones Cup, while Oriental-Rongotai are on the road to play Petone for the Jim Brown Memorial Trophy. Both big games for the four teams involved and other rivals on the points table. 

• By Scott MacLean

Friday evening version (updated). The halfway mark of the Premier and and Premier 2 competitions in Wellington is reached, while there are a number of big matches in other grades and competitions and in college rugby.

The Swindale Shield points table is here: https://stats.clubrugby.nz/table/2026-swindale-shield/ 

The weather forecast for Saturday is looking cool but kind for the Wellington region and is here: https://www.yr.no/en/forecast/hourly-table/2-2179537/New%20Zealand/Wellington%20Region/Wellington%20City/Wellington?i=2

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Draws & Results – visit https://stats.clubrugby.nz/ for these. Click on a fixture for teamlists and match details. Teamlists as received and subject to change.

Radio commentary  – online at teupoko.co.nz or by tuning into 87.5FM or 1161AM is Petone v Oriental-Rongotai  from Old Timers’ Day at the Petone Rec. Ken Laban is shaking off his chains for the afternoon and is on the mike.

Tipping Competition – Visit https://www.faceyoursfears.com/games/WGTN2026/join   To make your picks for round seven. The Tipping Competition has been caught up after Wednesday’s rescheduled third round match and is all up to date after six completed rounds. The Top five leaderboard is: Brownlie1992 156 points; rhinotillexomania 150; Ash1980 142; Cainsy 140; mcurpine and Chickenz 138.

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Premier Swindale Shield

The halfway point gets reached with three teams with a five-win one-loss record, and three more are one-win back; there’s a lot to be decided in the coming weeks.

One of the joint-leaders are Tawa, who in the unusual position of doing so while still carrying a negative points-difference. But that result against Petone on Opening Day is well in the rear-view mirror and their thoughts have firmly turned to recapturing the Swindale Shield. After last week’s hard-fought win over HOBM, they’ll look to ruffle more feathers on their Old Timers Days with Johnsonville coming down from Helston. Semi-finalists last year, the Hawks are still trying to patch their slew of departures and really need a run of wins if they are to make the Jubilee eight this season.

The only change for the home team up front has Hadley Vaoliko back in place of TJ Fermanis on the blindside. Kalim Kelemete’s strong performance off the bench last week gets him a start, while Tesimata Afamasaga comes in for Jacob Denyer on the left wing. Johnsonville’s pack is unchanged aside from Brett Taefu coming in for Billy Peoples who suffered a nasty injury last week, with Ha’amea Ahio to return from the bench. Hurricanes squad member Josh Timu is playing this week, replacing Aukuso Tuitama alongside Jacob Walmsley in midfield.

The other joint-leaders are Paremata-Plimmerton, who did what they needed to in Wednesday night’s catch-up game against Avalon at Porirua Park; win, get the bonus point, and avoid serious injuries. That match might still leave them at a bit of a disadvantage as they take on Hutt Old Boys Marist at home in what is the match of the round. The Eagles dropped out of the lead with that loss to Tawa and will surely be keen to reassert their challenge.

The Hammerheads switch back to something more approaching their regular lineup with Esi Komaisavai, Ethan Webster-Nonu, Zane Edwards, Louis Northcott, Christian Fa’avae, Junior Davey, and the James Coburn, Toby Mallon, and Werdna Maligi-Leota front row all returning, with Alex Fidow cleared to play after receiving two yellow cards against Avalon. The Eagles give a first Premier start to hooker Riley Browne after he impressed off the bench against Tawa, while David Filipo comes in for Filo Paulo who reverts to the bench. Midfielders Caleb Robson and Kapu Broughton-Winterburn swap places, and Bili Liberi is on the right wing. Paulo, Ben Tuiomanufili, and youngster Mako Blackman add considerable thump from the bench.

A point behind the leading pair at Petone, and they’ll finally get back on their beloved Rec (minus being able to use the grandstand, still) for their own Old Timers Day. Oriental Rongotai are the guests, and the Swindale holders have made their way into the top eight after their indifferent start to the season. They’ll provide the home side with a stiff test.

The Villagers reunited the old Silverstream pairing of Losi Filipo and Lester Maulolo in midfield, with Hurricanes squad player Ngane Punivai back and on the right wing. Kafaongo Katoa, Jono Bailey, and veteran loosie Jarrod Hrstich come into the starting pack. Ories have Penieli Poasa with them, while Dom Ropeti is also with them for another week. Connor Lemon is also back in the front row, with Sam Tautiaga the only change in their backline.

Early leaders Old Boys-University have stumbled in recent weeks, dropping matches to both Tawa and Upper Hutt. Last week’s outing was particularly sloppy, and they’ll want to rectify that this week. Fortunately – maybe – for them, while they’re on the road, it’s winless Avalon at Fraser Park. The hosts have shown the ability to disrupt and even get on top of their opponents for periods, but sustaining that has been the challenge. Is this the week they put it all together for 80?

The Wolves are without skipper Matthew Andrews and fellow loosie Sam Tonise. Koli Bower returns to the starting lineup, and veteran lock Mark Savelio assumes the captaincy. Lochie Jackson makes his Premier debut on the wing, and versatile club centurion Jordan Aquila is at fullback.

The Goats welcome back openside Tana Maene Lokeni as one of two personnel changes in the pack, the other being prop Marc Riddell. Ben Gordon partners Malo Manuao in midfield with Calum Koebergh movng back to the wing, and there’s even a sighting of veteran Te Wehi Wright on the bench. Harry Irving captains the team in his last outing before heading south to link up with Otago.

Up the valley, OBU’s conquerors last week Upper Hutt lie in wait for Marist St Pat’s. The Rams two losses have come to two of the leading trio, so they remain well-placed. They’ll be looking to continue to cash in against an Evans Bay side that started strong before dropping three in succession. Last week’s effort against the Axemen represented a return to the form of the opening fortnight, and will fancy their chance here.

Kaide McCashin starts in his 100^th game for the Rams as they look to defend the Bill Brien Challenge Cup. Pene To’o plays his blazer game in an unchanged forward pack. Dawson Smith is at first-five with Liam Slight switching to fullback, and Josh Mallon continues on the wing after making his first start there last weekend. The club will also celebrate Scott Svenson, who played his 100^th last week. Tomasi Connor switches to second-five for MSP tomorrow, swapping with Dallas Natoli who moves in one spot. Max Crawford moves to centre, Leo Balouzat is on the wing, and Luke Donaldson tags in at halfback for Bentley Faulkner. Corban King makes his return from the bench, where Chris Simone, Sefo Aukustino, and Francis Mettrick provide options.

Over the Hill Road, it’s an alliterative clash as Wainuiomata hosts Wellington at William Jones. Both sides desire cracking that top eight, but both need to address last weeks reverses. The home side have been well beaten in their last two outings, while the visitors need to put last weeks behind them. The strong likelihood is that any Jubilee hopes for the loser get extinguished tomorrow.

Braydon Soi is a welcome return for the home side, which in turn sends Teru Time back to lock. Liam Aitken comes in at halfback, with Keanu Kotuhi and Emmanuel Solomona both moving out one, while Campbell Cowie moves into centre. Tyler Tane drops back to the bench. The visitors have swung the axe in terms of changes. In come prop Soul Manuseuga, locks Sam Edlund and Jack Treadwell, flanker Vilikesa Tavola, flyhalf Malin Mosedale, and winger Fa’amavaega Lokeni, while there’s also some positional changes.

The final match in this part of the preview is at Porirua Park. With the Phoenix Women now out of the way, Norths get to return to the lower bowl in front of the grandstand this week. Poneke come north out of the city to face them, with both sides only having Avalon below them on the ladder. Given their relative positions to each other, this has the makings of a tight, close-fought contest.

Norths are bolstered but the return of captain Olano Afutoto, who goes straight back in at No8, and the availability of Jackson Garden-Bachop who forms the halves combination with the also returning Jayde Burns. Johnny Teleaga is also back to add his considerable experience. Poneke also get some Super Rugby experience in Hurricanes rake Jacob Devery, with Noah Tuifao-Galuvao packing down at No8. Kaden Bond gets a first start at fullback, and national Under 85s rep Pasia Asiata is named on the bench while also starting for Poneke’s 85s at Nairnville Park.

Yet more interclub trophies in play tomorrow:

• Tawa and Johnsonville play for the Carman Cup. Aside from being a noted author and publisher and editor of the Rugby Almanack for many years, Arthur Carman was a Johnsonville club member. When Tawa was formed in 1947, he became that club’s first Patron. Tawa are the holders from their 43-36 win at Helston last season, though their last meeting was the extra-time Jubilee Cup semi-final.
• Petone and Ories contest their Jim Brown Memorial Trophy. A key member of the Petone side that dominated Wellington rugby in the late-60s and early-70’s and a Wellington representative, it’s reputed that only an ill-timed broken leg denied him All Black selection. Donated by his employers DB after his passing from cancer in 2004, it’s currently held by the defending Swindale champion Magpies.
• The Bill Jones Cup is the prize for Wainuiomata and Wellington. One of the valley club’s biggest supporters from their early days, it honours the man Wainuiomata’s home ground is now named for. It’s currently in their possession.
• Norths and Poneke play for their Cyril Collett Memorial Shield. Collett Snr was a stalwart of the old Porirua club in the 1950’s, with his sons Paul and Bruce later playing for both Porirua and Poneke. This one is currently held by Poneke.
• And lastly, Pare-Plim and HOBM will inaugurate the Pat Quin Memorial Trophy tomorrow. Quin played his rugby at Hutt Valley Marist and later coached their top side, before serving as co-club captain at HOBM following the amalgamation. After moving to Plimmerton, Pat was also a proud supporter of the local club, and generous to both (and to this website) through his business RobLawMax Recruitment. Pat passed away last September.

Premier 2 Harper Lock Shield

Unbeaten duo Petone and HOBM lead the way here, but both face potentially tricky matches tomorrow with the Villagers hosting Ories, and the Eagles away at Pare-Plim. The two main chasers, Upper Hutt and MSP, meet at Maidstone, while Avalon host stragglers OBU ahead of their catch-up visit to Pare-Plim in the middle of next week.

Tawa will look to improve their position as they host Johnsonville, and there’s squabbles at the lower end of the table as Norths hosts Poneke and Wainuiomata welcome Wellington.

The preview continues below after thanking Club Rugby’s sponsors and supporters that enable our website to exist. 

Women’s Rebecca Liua’ana Trophy

No prizes for guessing the match of the round here. It’s out at Porirua Park, and where old foes Norths and Oriental Rongotai clash as they try to keep the pressure on Petone. The Villagers are at home to face Avalon, while also in the Hutt Wainuiomata are at home against Wellington and Stokes Valley welcome Old Boys-University out to Delaney Park. The fifth match of the round sees Paremata-Plimmerton at home against Poneke.

Milestone day for two Norths stalwarts. Leah Conley plays her 200^th game for the team, and Manu Sina rep Nina Foaese plays her 150^th.

Colts Paris Memorial

Like the Premier 2 grade Petone and HOBM head the way here. Petone are three points clear, but have yet to have their bye while HOBM already have. The Villagers are at home against MSP, while HOBM join their Premier sides at Ngati Toa against Pare-Plim. Upper Hutt are back at Maidstone to face Poneke, while Tawa will look to get back on track against Norths. OBU have the bye this week.

Under 85kg JC Bowl

One match jumps off the page here, the clash at Redwood Park between Tawa and Johnsonville. Leaders Poneke are at Nairnville to face former champs the OBU Scallywags, Pare-Plim make the journey out to Eastbourne, and Wellington welcome HOBM to Hataitai.

Reserve Grade

A top of the table encounter in store in the Mike Copeland Cup, with the unbeaten Poneke Ruffnuts taking their record out to Ngati Toa Domain and a clash with the Pare-Plim Punters.

College

As covered in last night’s report, winning outings yesterday in the final tune-up for the two St Patrick’s schools. Silverstream beat New Plymouth Boys’ 34-33, while Town tipped over Palmerston North Boys’ 34-24.

Tomorrow Wellington College conclude their preparations for the local part of their season when they host a second national powerhouse from Chiefs country when Rotorua Boys come to visit for a noon kickoff.

Rathkeale are idle this weekend.

The final four teams for the Premiership will be found tomorrow, joining the four teams above, plus Scots and Wairarapa College who both won last week to book their spots. The two sides they beat, Hutt Valley HS and St Bernard’s get a second chance; HVHS head to Mana, while St Bernard’s host Aotea. In the other two matches Rongotai will be favourites against Paraparaumu, and there’s an eye-catching clash between hosts Tawa and visitors Hutt International.

The losers of those four matches will go into Premier 2, along with the Silverstream and Wellington College 2^nd XVs and the winners of four more matches. In those central Hutt duo Taita and Naenae host Porirua and the Silverstream 3rds respectively, Newlands/Onslow are at home against Kapiti, and Bishop Viard face the Town 2^nd XV.

The Premiership proper gets underway on Wednesday, with the regular season opener of the Wellington College vs St Pats Town Traditional clash.

Around the region

One of the real grudge matches of the year in Wairarapa Bush tomorrow with a repeat of last year’s final pitting leaders Greytown at home against fellow unbeaten side Carterton to decide where the Lane Penn Cup will reside next summer. Martinborough welcome East Coast south, while there’s a town derby with Masterton Red Star hosting cross-town rivals Marist. Pioneer has the bye this round.

Horowhenua-Kapiti’s round has leaders Foxton on the road to the other end of the province and a meeting with Paraparaumu. Rahui are at home to take on Wanderers, and Levin COB have the Domain for their clash with Waikanae.

It’s the penultimate round in the first part of the season in the Manawatu. Unbeaten leaders Varsity put that on the line against second placed Feilding Yellows, while Kia Toa look to make up ground when they visit College Old Boys. Freyberg host strugglers Te Kawau, and Linton head to Feilding to face Feilding Old Boys-Oroua. Old Boys Marist have the bye.

And in Hawke’s Bay the second round of the Maddison Trophy sees Pirates look to follow-up last week’s upset win over NOBM with another against Havelock North. NOBM face a tough test to rebound as they visit Napier Tech, and defending champions Taradale host Hastings. At the other end of the table, Bridge Pa hosts MAC.

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