The 2024 Rarotonga Club 15s grand final is shaping up to be an unforgettable showdown between two of the country’s fiercest rugby rivals: the Tupapa Panthers and the Avatiu Nikao Eels at Teimurimotia Park this afternoon.

With just a few points separating these powerhouse teams in their recent encounters, fans can expect an intense battle.

The Panthers’ dramatic 13-12 victory over the Eels in the 2023 grand final remains fresh in everyone’s memory. A last-minute try in the 79th minute clinched the win for the Panthers, leaving the Eels heartbroken.

This year, both teams have exchanged wins, with the Eels securing a narrow 16-13 victory in their first meeting of 2024 and the Panthers bouncing back to edge out the Eels 19-17 in their second encounter.

Panthers coach Darren Piri is confident the showdown will be an epic game.

“We’ve had some good training and are just looking forward to getting out there and playing some good footy,” he shares.

Piri acknowledges the strength of the Eels’ lineup but emphasises that discipline will be key.

“Whoever maintains a disciplined style of play may just walk away with the win tomorrow (today).”

Eels’ head coach, Clive Nicholas, shared similar sentiments, highlighting the commitment and hard work his team has put in all season.

“Our successes so far have come off the hard work and commitment of the boys at the club. They’ve committed and acted upon everything the club has asked of them,” Nicholas said.

Despite the various challenges and personalities within the team, Nicholas is proud of how his players have come together.

“Everyone has grown closer and respected each other. Everyone wants to win, and that’s the biggest motivation we have.”

Key players for the Eels include their resilient pack of forwards, led by captain Li Ponini. Tamanui Nicholas, Josh Motu, and Adyn Kapi add to their formidable strength, while powerful midfield backs Viliami “Bill” Temo and Tamatoa Nicholas have consistently demonstrated excellent form throughout the season.

For the Panthers, their strong forward pack is anchored by “80-minute” front-rowers Davey Mato, Lua Tua and Kana Nga.

“They aim to dominate the set pieces to benefit their dynamic midfielders, Tua Ravula and Al Momoisea. This highly anticipated midfield clash is expected to play a significant role in determining the flow of the match,” said Ben Koteka, Cook Islands Rugby Union development manager.

“As both teams prepare to face off, the Grand Final is simply too close to call. The outcome will likely hinge on which team can quickly settle into the match's tempo and maintain discipline on and off the ball for the full 80 minutes. One thing is certain: fans are in for an electrifying showdown.”

Fixtures

12noon: Junior Development: U6/8 Rippa & U10s Tackle [Half Field], 1pm: U12s Eels-Bears, 2pm: Women’s Rugby Bears-Panthers, 2.30pm: U14s – Eels-Bears, 3pm: U16s – Eels v Bears, 4pm: Premiers: Tupapa Panthers v Avatiu Eels.