Premier v University @ Rifles 2:45pm

Our Premier team had a solid win at Williams Park against Manukau Rovers last weekend. The hard-fought victory has moved the team to top of the congested table after 6 Rounds. To stay up there, the team will have to overcome a sequence of big games starting with University at home, who are coming in after strong wins over Marist last weekend.

A couple of key match ups from both teams, should make for an interesting game and a difficult one to call. Our young Zarn Sullivan goes up against the experienced Tyrone Elkington in the battle of the generals, whilst Christian Kelleher and Nepia Fox-Matamua, scrap it out in the loose. The old saying “the game is won up front” could not be more relevant, as the two packs look to get the ascendancy up front, particularly at set piece. Otumaka Mausia starts at 2^nd 5 in place of Tumua Manu, who returns to Super Rugby duty, whilst Joe Collins returns at fullback, after being out with concussion during their second-round loss to Ponsonby. Head down to the club to catch some of the action.

1. Jordan Fonokalafi 2. Penison Fineanganofo 3. Dexter Faamoana 4. Josh Brajkovic 5. Patrick Vaovasa 6. Joe Fabish 7. Christian Kelleher 8. Ben Sa’u © 9. Cody Mitchell 10. Zarn Sullivan 11. Epeli Ula 12. Otumaka Mausia 13. Meihana Grindlay 14. Joe Cooke 15. Joe Collins

16. Ezra Vai 17. Darios Mauga 18. Richard Reed 19. Hayden Edwards 20. Alan Rathbun 21. Herschel Gideon 22. Maake Taulahi 23. Moli Faiva

Premier Development v University @ Rifles 1pm

In a repeat of last year’s final, our Premier Development will also face University, where both teams are currently sitting 4^th equal on the points table. Our boys are coming into this week on the back of solid performances over South Auckland rivals Papatoetoe and Manukau Rovers, and will head into the game confident they will secure a top 4 spot by the end of play. Head Coach Malika Liutai has selected a strong line up that is littered with premier experience. The team will be looking to get some go forward from young powerful loose forwards Dominic Tevao and Mitch Willis, whilst James Copeland’s reliable boot will be key in the wet conditions forecasted for Saturday.

1. Richard Reed 2. Hamish Boult © 3. Jacson Edie 4. Lax Poese 5. Sam Knott 6. Dominic Tevao 7. Pat Syme © 8. Mitch Willis 9. Herschel Gideon 10. James Copeland 11. Jason Mee 12. Kawa Vunipola 13. Alistair Frost 14. Glen Afereti 15. Mitch Weir

16. Vai Ma’ake 17. Cruze Tito 18. Ben Sterritt 19. Alastair Burnett 20. Ash Tuia 21. Pena Ilaoa 22. Jayden Maeli

Under 21s v Eden @ Rifles 1pm.

Our young guns are coming off a bye and 2 consecutive losses, so they will not be short of motivation and will be hungry to get their campaign back on track against Eden at home.

They have named a formidable forward pack led by the Otahuhu College duo Vili Fangapo and Rona Tuialii, who will lay the foundations at set piece, whilst the loose trio of Mali Manukia, Likau Alatini and Kitiona Vai, make up arguably the best loose forward trio in the competition. There is plenty to play for on Saturday for our young guns, who have not played to their full potential so far this season, however, after some self-reflection during the bye week, a new found hunger and excitement within the team maybe what the doctor ordered.

JJ Sheung Fuk returns to the squad after an impressive performance for the premiers last week, his leadership will be key to getting this team firing on all cylinders and when they do, Eden will be in for a long day in the rain.

1. Vili Fanguapo 2. Sione Pule 3. Rona Tuialii 4. Micah Taufa 5. James Brown 6. Mali Manukia 7. Likau Alatini © 8. Kitiona Vai 9. Tamatoa Tepaea 10. Damien Faiane 11. Michael Soo Choon 12. JJ Sheung Fuk 13. Kulima Tafea 14. Ioane Velentino 15. Sofai Maka (VC) 16. David Mahe 17. Ascott Mafi 18. Leandro Vakatini 19. Levi Uluakiahoia 20. TJ Folau 21. Revin Storey 22. Steven Edgar

Under 85s v University Legends @ Rifles 2:45pm

Our Under 85s head into this weekend’s game against University after a close win last week against Marist. The lads are eager to keep their winning ways against the legends this week who are currently sitting firmly at the bottom of the table without a loss so far this year. As always, the boys trained well, and seem to get more clarity in their systems. Boys are fit and ready to go, with no major injuries to side over the last few weeks. Xavier McClusky and Jono Willis continue to lead the team, whilst young guns Connor Hafoka and Josh Hawke are growing with confidence with each game.

1. Sam Haslett 2. Nathan Ross James 3. Taylor Simmons 4. Madison Gellatly 5. Dean Trembath 6. Connor Hafoka 7. Matt Wallace 8. Daniel Ellingham 9. Brandon Keenan 10. Rory McKenzie 11. Xavier McClusky 12. Sammy Holmes 13. Jarrod Jennings 14. George Deans 15. Tom Lewis 16. Ray McKenzie 17. Bernie Rennell 18. Joshua Hjorth 19. Keisuke Ogawa 20. James Stevenson Wright 21. Robbie Macalister 22. Johnny Duncan

First Grade Grenades v Ponsonby 2:45pm Away

First Grade got their first taste of victory against long time arch-rivals Eden last week. The Grenades got off to a good start, bringing a physical brand of rugby that had been missing all season. The locking brothers of Ben and Isaac Fruean were busy throughout the game, whilst No.8 Lafoga Ofa’s work rate with the ball in hand was immense, always giving the team the go forward from start to finish. Big prop Tausagafou Siaki laid the foundations up front at set piece, whilst always putting on big hits, Ofa Tuungafasi would have been proud of. This week they head to Ponsonby again, a team they previously lost to at the start of the season. No motivation needed in this game, with a newfound confidence after last week’s win, the betting man will be putting a little wager on our boys to take home the spoils.

1. Fou 2. Mav 3. Cannon 4. Phil 5. V 6. Todd 7. Mitch 8. Laf’s 9. Nick 10. Esi 11. Papa 12. Dennis 13. Bishop 14. Jonny 15. Sting Ray 16. Sailusi 17. Eti 18. Tyler 19. Dwayne 20. Olo 21. Dan 22. TBC

School Rugby

Last weekend, we hosted the 1R or formerly 4^th Grade game between Auckland Grammar and St Peters as part of plan to connect with our local schools and to show case the club facilities to all players and coaches. The Under 85 grade is one that is hugely important to the club and the secondary school’s 1R grade is a particularly important grade to keep an eye on, to educate them around the playing opportunities the club offers after school. Next week, there will be two 2A games played at College Rifles. The traditional College Rifles game between Auckland Grammar and Kings College on Friday night, whilst St Peters and De La Salle 2A teams will be playing here on Saturday morning. More efforts will be made over the coming weeks to grow visibility within our catchment area, with the hope of further strengthening those relationships. Other schools who have visited our club rooms and used our facilities are Sacred Heart, Tamaki College and Mt Roskill Grammar.

Article added: Friday 07 August 2020