Eels vs Panthers in main splash today

The Avatiu Swamp will become the battle ground of the club rugby season today when the Eels host defending champions the in-form Tupapa Panthers.

Both teams play a similar style of rugby with their preference for the free-spirited expansive 15-man game – however with the recent rain and expected muddy conditions, these tactics may change today.

This weekend’s match-up will certainly be a test of character with both teams wanting to ensure that they gain the best possible advantage at this early stage of the season.

After three matches the Eels have won two games and lost one – 29-14 against the Bulls, 28-12 against the Reds and lost to the Dragons 20-42.

The team from the Swamp is still finding its feet with a new crop of age-grade talent coming through the ranks.

This weekend the Eels will be strengthened with the return of hard-working and experienced forwards in lock Mark Charlie and open-side flanker Lee Ponini.

After round three reigning champions the Panthers are in a healthy position with three wins on the trot – 34-12 against the Reds, 34-12 against the Bulls and 33-17 against Cowboys last weekend.

The Panthers will be looking good with their massive but technically efficient pack of forwards lead by captain Kore Herrmann complementing the classy Turori Matutu-lead backline.

The Panthers will also be full of confidence after last weekend’s comprehensive 33-17 victory over the Cowboys, so they will be considered favourits for today’s match.

Players to watch for the Eels, who have six rookies in the starting line-up, are the experienced heads of the Nicholas brothers Clive and Lui while Charlie and Lee will be required to lay the foundation and build pressure for their young team to benefit.

Key players to watch for on the Panthers will be their classy backline made up of national representative players Turori Matutu, Conrad Piri, Louis Moemai and Kairan Mahia, however with the expected muddy conditions a more conservative approach may be taken by the Panthers.

The expectations are that whoever wins the battle of the forwards will win this match to be played at the Avatiu field.

Tupapa Panthers senior A grade: Teariki Faireka, Ngametua Ioane, Trevor Arona, Tony Tonovaka, Andy Tautu, William Williams, Metua Taamaru, Kore Herman, Aseli Manuqila, Turori Matutu, Ngatupuna Williams, Lui Moemai, Kairan Mahia, Johnny Marsters, Conrad Piri. Reserves: Pokoina Tepuretu, Alistair Newbigging, Jerry Habaibure, Geoff Halston.

Avatiu Eels Senior A grade: Sam Pera Jnr, Boaza Atetu, Eddie Tomokino, Mark Charlie, Lui Nicholas(Capt.), Pearse Numanga, Lee Ponini, Clive Nicholas, Tearoa Bishop, Junior Kiriau, Sirla Pera, Selafi Tovio, Duane Gukisuva, JJ Nicholas, Kunta Tom. Reserves: Apii Rongo, Tumu Pittman, Joe Omao, Ben Maaka, Maka Tereu.

Age grade matches will kick off the day’s matches a various fields and at the Swamp the games kick off at 10am in the under 10 grade before the under 13 grade takes to the field at 11.30am.

At Raemaru Park the Cowboys will host the Bulls and at the BCI Stadium the Reds will play host to the Dragons and will also include a tribute golden oldies match to the late Sir Terepai Maoate kicking off at 3pm.

Today’s draw and referee appointment on page 17.