The Cook Islands Rugby Union Rarotonga Clubs 15s premier men’s final will be a ‘nail-biting affair’.

Defending champions Tupapa Panthers will take on Avatiu Nikao Eels in the showdown at Teimurimotia Park this Saturday.

According to CIRU development manager Ben Koteka, the final will be a nail-biting affair.

“Too close to call but the most-disciplined team on the day, that will quickly settle and adjust to the tempo of this match, with discipline, both on and off the ball, for the full 80 minutes, will be victorious!”

Koteka said both teams would be relying on their key players to spearhead their challenge.

For the Eels, their gutsy pack of forwards, with industrious loose forwards led by their captain Li Ponini supported by Tamanui Nicholas, Josh Motu and Adyn Kapi will be key.

“Powerful midfield backs Viliami ‘Bill’ Temo and Tamatoa Nicholas have consistently shown good form all year too.”

For the Panthers, Koteka says the foundation of their busy forward pack are their 80-minute front-rowers Davey Mato, Lua Tua and Kana Nga.

He said the trio would be hoping to build set-piece dominance to benefit their strong-running midfielders Tua Ravula and Al Momoisea.

“The highly anticipated midfield clash against their opposition, sure to dictate the flow of this match.”

The two teams met in the final last year where the Panthers edged the Eels 13-12 after scoring a 79^th minute try.

The town neighbours met twice this year – the Eels winning the first match by 16-13 and the Panthers winning the second match by 19-17.

“See you at all at Teimurimotia Park – Titikaveka, come and join-in the fun from 12 noon onwards, and see who will be crowned the Raro Club 15s Champions for 2024. Prizegiving to be held after each match.”

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.