A big weekend for our Pakuranga teams looms, with silverware up for grabs out west, the Black Panthers enter the fold and the Belles head off on yet another cross-border mission.

See all team lists here.

Only the one team at home tomorrow, with the Under 85kg Black Panthers opening their season against strong opposition, the Grammar TEC Old Boys.

With seven debutants there is a fresh look to the Panthers, notably last years Under 21 havles and midfield pairings of Finlay Dixon and Regan McGregor and Kobe Kay and Francis Morrison getting a run.

The Belles are off to Glenfield in what will be another tough encounter for the team. Schoolgirls Rochelle Christie and Mia Makoare continue to impress in the backline while Eden Mika brings youth to the forward pack that has not been shying away from tough mahi.

The Under 21 Cannons will be seeking revenge after a narrow, unfortunate loss at home last week. Captained by Kayle Luick they head central to Gribblehirst Park to play Eden.

The Premier Development team have had a strong start to the season and have added motivation when they take on Suburbs tomorrow. The Lawrie Knight Challenge Cup has often had a home at the Ranga, but was won off our PD’s by Manukau last season. It is now held by Suburbs and the aim is to see that be a short reign.

It’s a strong side that has been named with notable features across the park. Jerry Samania continues his good form in the front row, while former premier captain Gafa Su’a is set to add impact to the game off the bench for his first match this season. The loose forward trio is stacked, with Jimmy Tuifua, captain Jono Pearce and the returning Niu Osaka all knocking on the door of premier selection. 

The backline features plenty of experience with Steph Tabaillou and Brodyn Bevan at nine and ten, while the exciting midfield pairing of Andre Dunn (brother of premier centres Pasqualle and Tane) and Paulo Wallwork-Tuala who has played sevens for Samoa.

There are a number of changes to the premier side too, after two physical matches to start the season.

“It’s important to us that we get on the road to the far west and string together some clinical performances, both premier development and premiers. We want to do the simple things well and build on the momentum we have gathered in the first two weeks,” said Premier Coach Boof.

In the front row Lotu Finau gets his first start after two strong cameos off the bench. Balancing out his youth is the experience of Sam Crichton who returns for his first match of the season, his 39th for the premier team. 

Reynhardt Schutte comes back into the starting line up after debuting in round one, while Marc Holzer makes his first start, returning from injury, Holzer was Player of the Year in 2023, he joins a strong loosie trio with Setefano Leavasa and Randall Baker.

George Sims and Tremain Little pair up at nine and ten, both in their first premier starts, with the remainder of the backline unchanged from last week.

Expect plenty of impact from the bench, with powerhouses on the pine, while Ezekiel Wye is in line for his first premier cap of the season.

“We have a very deep squad, there are 50 players plus putting their hand up for selection every week. Tomorrow we’ll see some other players have an opportunity to start,” said Boof.

With the Suburbs prems currently holding the Sir Fred Allen Challenge Cup, the premiers will also be playing for silverware. Last week they claimed the Ranga Toe Shield, so a second trophy is up for grabs. 

The Premier team is;
1. Oscar Cowley-Andreas
2. Lotu Finau
3. Sam Chricton
4. Reynhardt Schutte
5. Cam Finefeuiaki
6. Setefano Leavasa - captain
7. Marc Holzer
8. Randall Baker
9. George Sims
10. Tremaine Little
11. Cruiz Overend
12. Pasqualle Dunn
13. Tane Dunn
14. Harlyn Saunoa
15. Paula Maama

16. Moses Hafoka
17. Paula Fatafehi
18. Mercy Tia
19. Sanele Williams
20. Sione Takai
21. Michiale van Wyk
22. Riley Harrison
23. Ezekiel Wye

Article added: Friday 19 April 2024