Semi Final action hits Pakuranga with the premiers and premier development teams hosting their respective play off matches at the club.

Both teams finished the regular season in second place affording them home advantage tomorrow – with wins booking them a ticket to Eden Park next weekend.

The Premiers will welcome Marist back to Bell Park, having secured a 24-20 win over them on the same ground last month. That day it took a big defensive effort late in the game to hold on to victory and the prems will expect nothing less tomorrow.

A strong team has been named, with Setefano Leavasa and George Sims co-captaining the side.

Setefano will link with Randall Baker and Lotu Finau in a formidable loose forward trio, while Sean Carter and Cameron Finefeuiaki combine in the second row. A powerful front row has Oscar Cowley Andreas, Gafatasi Su’a and Sam Chrichton starting the match.

George Sims and Mickey van Wyk will control the backline from the havles with the Dunn brothers again starting in the midfield. In the back three is Sione Fifita, Harlyn Saunoa and Paula Maama.

There is plenty of experience on the bench which will no doubt add impact late in the match.

1.    Oscar Cowley Andreas
2.    Gafatasi Su’a
3.    Sam Chrichton
4.    Sean Carter
5.    Cameron Finefeuiaki
6.    Randall Baker
7.    Lotu Finau
8.    Setefano Leavasa ©
9.    George Sims ©
10.    Mickey van Wyk
11.    Sione Fifita
12.    Pasqualle Dunn
13.    Tane Dunn
14.    Harlyn Saunoa
15.    Paula Maama

16.    Moses Hafoka
17.    Sesimani Tupou
18.    Jerry Samania
19.    Sanele Williams
20.    Marc Holzer
21.    Riley Harrison
22.    Cruiz Overend
23.    Paulo Wallwork Tuala

The Premier Development team host Ponsonby, a real heavyweight in the PD grade. When the team’s met in round robin it was the Ranga that ran away with a resounding 48-25 win.

With threats right across the park, the PDs have strong forward pack, anchored by Lepani Tuifagalele, Byron Thomas and Mercy Tia in the front row. Jack McGregor and Reynhardt Schutte bring height and physicality to the second row while Paula Fatafehi, Jono Pearce and Marcelle Tausinga round out the forward pack.

Fea Puamoto and Cam James combine at halfback and first five-eighths while Andre Dunn and John Taumoepeau are an exciting centre pairing. Caleb Nayantachi starts at fullback with Andonio Tupoa on one wing and Waisea Seniqai and Luke Tavo are bracketed on the other wing.

1. Lepani Tuifagalele
2. Byron Thomas
3. Mercy Tia
4. Jack McGregor
5. Reynhardt Schutte
6. Paula Fatafehi
7. Jono Pearce
8. Marcelle Tausinga
9. Fea Puamoto
10. Cam James
11. (Waisea Seniqai/Luke Tavo)
12. Andre Dunn
13. John Taumoepeau
14. Antonio Tupou
15. Caleb Nayantachi
16. Olliver Miller
17. Talaia Satiu
18. Lisiate Pau’uvale
19. Mosese Waqabaca
20. Ivan Baker
21. Gerald van Wyk
22. Brodyn Bevan
23. Charles Gibson
 

Article added: Friday 19 July 2024