Rugby supporters can expect a crunching CITC main match as old rivals the Arorangi Cowboys and Avatiu Eels face off at Raemaru Park today.

Both sides will be smarting from the surprise loss they both suffered at the weekend to lower-ranked squads, who outsmarted and outplayed them.

The Cowboys suffered a slim 30-28 loss at the hands of the Dragons while the Eels seemed lost in their match against the Panthers who won 23-17.

The last time the Cowboys and the Eels met was in the first round of the season where the Cowboys scrapped home to a 28-24 win thanks to a successful penalty kick right on the final hooter

In that game the Eels outscored the Cowboys by 4 tries to 3, but goal-kicking and discipline at crucial times was the Eels undoing.

In that game one Eels player was yellow-carded and sent to the sin-bin for 10-minutes, resulting in the Cowboys scoring 10 points from a converted try and a penalty goal.

Both teams will be desperate to get their campaign back on track so a win against their arch-rival will be a great way to boost their confidence heading into the 2nd round.

The strength of the Cowboys is in their forward pack watch for the Cowboys front rowers, including Timi Tunui, to lay the foundations for their team to follow.

The Eels obvious strength is out wide on the flanks watch for masterful utility back Ben Maaka to dictate proceedings to unleash his quick men outside in Duane Gukisuva and Bruce Goldsworthy at every opportunity.

The battle for the loose ball will be a crucial component in this match with both teams boasting mobile, constructive and destructive loose forward trio in Clive Nicholas, Lee Ponini and Eliza Toru for the Eels and Waisoi Tuivaga, Edwin Teraitua and Pierre Rongokea in the Cowboys pack.

On the hard-surface of Raemaru Park the work-rate, technical-nous at the contact area, the combinations, links and the energy-levels of these loose forward trios will be tested and could have a major bearing on the final outcome of this match.

This is going to be a great match so be at Raemaru Park to catch all the action.

Avatiu Eels Sonny-Bill Foster, Zeru Pera, Eddie Tomokino, Alex Olah, Louis Nicholas, Lee Ponini, Eliza Toru, Clive Nicholas, Kunta Tom, Atu Bondini, Stanley Tobia, Bruce Goldsworthy, Daniel Tutai, Duane Gukisuva, Ben Maaka.

Arornagi Cowboys Timi Tunui, Katini Heather, Terry Bates, Danny Heather, Simona Nicholas, Wai Tuivaga, Edwin Teraitua, Pierre Rongokea, Spoon Marsters, Sami Fareti, Rouru Une, Johnny George, Ngatama Aniterea, Cosmar Bell, Pokolong Pauka.

In other matches at the weekend, the Dragons head to the Happy Valley to face the Takuvaine Reds and the Bulls march to Tupapa to meet the Panthers.

- Ruck and maul

Todays draw:

Takuvaine Reds vs Ngatangiia Dragons at Takuvaine 1.00pm Under 13, Ref-Tangi Toa assisted by club officials, 1.50pm Under 16, Ref-Poto Ngaroi assisted by Ieremia Tuteru and Kakaio Rob, 2.55pm Senior B, Ref- Vase Samania assisted by Ieremia Tuteru and Tangata Samania, 4.10pm Senior A, Ref- Tua Manea assisted by Poto Ngaroi and Sean Willis

Arorangi Cowboys vs Avatiu Eels at Raemaru Park 12.00pm Under 13, Ref-Dan Munro assisted by club officials, 12.45pm Under 16, Ref-Billy Tuaivi assisted by Titi George and Bishop Bishop, 1.50pm Under 19, Ref-Tutai Taurarii assisted by Billy Tuaivi and Dan Munro, 3.05pm Senior B, Ref-Arthur Emile assisted by Bishop Bishop and Dan Munro, 4.10pm Senior A, Ref- Johnny Hosking assisted by Tutai Taurarii and Arthur Emile

Tupapa Panters vs Titikaveka Bulls at Tupapa 12.30pm Under 13, Ref-club officials assisted by club officials, 1.20pm Under 16, Ref-Ben Koteka assisted by club Officials, 2.15pm Under 19, Ref-Phillip Strickland assisted by Tavake Manuel and Paul Peyroux, 3.40pm Women 7, Ref- Paul Peyroux assisted by club officials, 4.00pm Senior A, Ref-Simiona Teiotu assisted by Phillip Strickland and Paul Peyroux.