The Cook Islands Rugby Union Rarotonga Club 15s competition heads into semifinals this weekend with Avatiu Nikao Eels taking on the Titikaveka Bulldogs this afternoon and defending champions Tupapa Panthers battling the Arorangi Bears tomorrow at Raemaru Park.

The Clive Nicholas-coached Eels topped the preliminary rounds, while the Bulldogs finished last in fourth place.

The two teams will meet in the first semifinal at 4.30pm this afternoon.

With odds stacked against the Bulldogs, their manager Apii Tumutoa remains optimistic of their chances.

“Our preparation has been good and since it’s the semifinals. Whatever the outcome of this game is we promise to give it our best hit,” Tumutoa said.

“And since we’re hosting the finals in Teimurimotia it would be good to come out on top in this match.”

Tumutoa said the players have been working on perfecting their scrums and line out.

“This season has been a good learning season for majority of our players.

“We would like to call our community out to come and support our boys at Raemaru Park. And good luck to all teams. May the best team win.”

The Eels and the Bulldogs have met twice this year, the Eels winning both matches: 26–13 and last week 50–8.

According to Cook Islands Rugby Union’s Ben Koteka: “Last week the Eels were comprehensive 50 points to 8 winners against a spirited but struggling Bulldogs outfit who were unable to consistently maintain possession and territory to build pressure throughout this match. “The Bulldogs relying on free-spirited rugby – just like their 80-metre-long distance team try that was scored by their Cook Islands 7s star Brian Akava.”

Koteka said the strength of the Eels was their team cohesion between both backs and forwards, and their ability to win the physical battles at both set-piece and especially at the breakdown area.

According to Koteka, the players tipped to play key roles in the clash are:

“Bulldogs – watch out for their enterprising and free-spirited backline to lead the way through the Akava brothers Tangi and Brian, winger Kaleb Chase and fullback Willie Rani.

“Eels – watch for their hardworking forward pack led by their loose forwards; Li Ponini and Tamanui Nicholas complimented by maestro first 5/8 or fullback Viiga Reupena and his powerhouse midfielders Viliami Temo and Tevita Niusama.”
In the other semifinal clash on Saturday, the third placed Bears will take on second placed Panthers. This clash will kick off at 4pm.

Fixtures

Tomorrow – 12 noon: Under 6/8s Rippa and U10s Tackle – Junior Development, 1pm: Under 12s – Junior Development, 2pm: Womens Rugby: Bears v Panthers, 2.30pm: U14s: Bears v Eels, 3pm: Under 16s: Bears v Eels, 4pm Bears vs Panthers.