Another weekend of big matchups for our senior teams. Our Prem 1 and 2s are away to Grammar TEC in what promises to be exciting contests, the Panthers travel across town to Suburbs with a big milestone to celebrate, while the Belles defend home turf.

Both our Prem 1 and Prem 2 teams had losses last weekend and will be aiming to bounce back at Orākei Domain tomorrow.

The Prem 2s are captained by Jono Pearce, who moves from the front row to number 6, forming a strong loose forward trio with Marc Holzer and Jake Barfoot. Fresh from some Prem 1 action last week, Sione Fifita and John Taumoepeau start in an exciting backline.

It’s two versus three for the Prem 1s when they take on Grammar TEC, who sit two points ahead of them on the competition ladder.

Gary Basson and Tui Ta’ofi return to the Prem 1 side after both being sidelined for two weeks, while Oisin Dunn starts on the wing in the only other change to the starting XV. Of particular interest will be Basson’s matchup against Grammar TEC midfielder and former Welsh international, Hadleigh Parkes.

Our Under 85kg Black Panthers head across to Shadbolt Park tomorrow to take on Suburbs, and they welcome the return of Rory Cavanagh and Jamie Petford from international duties. Continuing an incredible few weeks for Petford, who led the New Zealand Under 85kg haka in Sri Lanka, he will run out for his 100th Panthers match.

At home, the Belles take on Waitākere and will be looking to build on a much-improved performance from last week. Co-captains Shari Hohepa and Georgia Smyth anchor the forward pack, while Rochelle Christie takes the number 10 jersey for the second week after returning from international competition with the Howick College 7s team.

The Pressies play old rivals Marist at Mt Wellington War Memorial.

Article added: Friday 16 May 2025