After a two week hiatus the Premiers are back in action this weekend, travelling away to face University.

While not technically a must-win match, a victory over the students will go a long way in determining the play off chances for the premiers.

The coaches have named a strong team for the match, most notably Cam Finefeuaki starts in his Blazer game in the second row, while Sione Takai get his first start of the season in the number 6 jersey, after a number of impressive performances off the bench.

The same backline that started against Manukau in their last match will run out again tomorrow, the Dunn brothers a solid midfield pairing while Antonio Popoali’i will look to add to his try scoring tally from fullback.

A strong bench features Anthony Latu on debut, promoted from the 21s, while exciting impact is expected from Moses Hafoka, Sione Hifo in the loose forwards.

Premier Coach Grant ‘Boof’ Henson said it’s a bizarre situation navigating a long mid-season break.

“It feels like we haven’t played in forever – it will be three weeks since we were last on the field. But it doesn’t take much to get the team motivated because this is a big game. We’ve used the old cliché, stone under the towel under the beach when you lose your last game and then have to have a break.”

After a late call up to play for the Auckland Contenders last week, tomorrow Cam Finefeuaki will play his blazer game for the premiers.

“Cam has been an important member of the team – this year he is getting better every week. He is a line out leader and is leading around the paddock as well. We are expecting big things from him tomorrow in his blazer game, and looking forward to what he will bring to those around him.”

Returning from a knee injury that kept him sidelined in 2022, Sione Takai will run out in the starting XV for the first time this year tomorrow.

“We’re keen to see what we can do from the start of the game with his physicality and speed, he’s an athletic beast so its exciting having him back in the fold.”

Anthony Latu is a versatile player coming up from the Under 21s, on the bench tomorrow as a tighthead prop but equally as comfortable in the second and back row. 

“This is a big opportunity for a young fella – it’s his first year at Pakuranga and we think he offers a lot around the field; he is a good ball player and hits hard.”

After tomorrow’s match, the premiers face College Rifles, Waitemata, Papatoetoe and Ponsonby in the run to the play offs.

“If we win tomorrow it should get us back into the top four and from there our destiny is in our hands – if we drop it – it doesn’t mean its over for us but makes it tougher and we’ll rely on other results.

“First and foremost we want a good performance – we haven’t beaten them in past few seasons but we have the ability to.”

The Premier Development team will be aiming to get back in the winners circle when they open for the prems at Colin Maiden Park tomorrow. They dropped their last match against Manukau Rovers can currently sit second on the table.

It’s a top of the table clash for the Under 21s when they host University – both teams are currently unbeaten.

The Under 85kg Panthers currently sit second in their grade and tomorrow host the Waiheke Pirates, while the Belles also host Waiheke, a win would keep them at the top of their grade.

The Pakuranga Premiers for tomorrow are;
1.    Lepani Tuifagalele
2.    Gafatasi Su’a
3.    Sam Crichton
4.    Carter Hackett
5.    Cameron Finefeuiaki (blazer game)
6.    Sione Takai
7.    Marc Holzer
8.    Niu Osika
9.    Polynesia Crichton
10.    Memphis Ngaruhe
11.    Sione Fifita
12.    Pasqualle Dunn
13.    Tane Dunn
14.    Paula Maama
15.    Antonio Popoali’i

16.    Moses Hafoka
17.    Sam Beere
18.    Anthony Latu (debut)
19.    Logan Groome
20.    Sione Hifo
21.    Stephan Tabaillou
22.    Micky van Wyk
23.    Ezekiel Wye

Article added: Friday 09 June 2023