A busy day at the Ranga tomorrow sees four senior teams in action at home.

The RangaToe Shield is on the line as both the premier and premier development teams take on our neighbours to the south, Papatoetoe. While the Under 21s will defend the Sir Wilson Whineray Challenge Cup against College Rifles and the Belles host the combination GTEC/Varsity team.

The premiers kicked off the season with what coach Grant ‘Boof’ Henson described as a “chaotic win”.

“We played ok, but probably poor in terms of skill level. We expected some clunkiness because it was the first time that team had played together but what we were very happy with was the way we defended our line for 20 minutes with a man in the bin and with a one-point lead.

“The boys had extreme pride in the line and we earnt our luck, they missed some kicks but that comes with pressure.”

The only changes to the starting XV this weekend is a well-deserved premier re-call for Sean Carter at lock, which sees Cameron Finefeuaki move to the side of the scrum and last week’s player of the match Setefano Leavasa move to number eight.

“We got over the line five times last week – so we just need a bit more patience and we have worked on that composure this week.”

The Premier Development team had an impressive victory to start the season and will be looking to replicate that form at home tomorrow. Led by Jono Pearce at flanker, an exciting backline which features Caleb Nyantachi and Ezekiel Wye will be hard to contain.

Again, for the second week in a row, the Under 21 Cannons will defend the Sir Wilson Whineray Challenge Cup when they face a tough challenge against College Rifles. Kayle Ludick captains the team, while Jamie Doubleday will look to continue his form after scoring two tries last weekend.

Georgia Smyth captains the Belles in their first home match of the season. Rochelle Christie commands the 10 jersey again after a player of the match performance on debut last weekend, while in the back three Sophia Gmuer-Hornell and Mia Makoare don the Ranga jersey for the first time.

Click here to see all team lists 

The Pakuranga Prems are:
1.    Oscar Cowley-Andrea
2.    Moses Hafoka
3.    Fin Simpson
4.    Sanele Williams
5.    Sean Carter
6.    Cameron Finefeuaki
7.    Sione Takai – captain
8.    Setefano Leavasa
9.    Micky van Wyk
10.    Riley Harrison
11.    Paula Maama
12.    Pasqualle Dunn
13.    Tane Dunn
14.    Harlyn Saunoa
15.    Sione Fifita

16.    Paula Fatafehi
17.    Sesimani Tupou
18.    Mercy Tia
19.    Lotu Finau
20.    Marc Holzer
21.    George Sims
22.    Tremain Little
23.    Cruiz Overend
 

Article added: Friday 12 April 2024