History-making grand final

Club rugby history will be made at the BCI Stadium today when the Titikaveka Bulls and Takuvaine Reds come together for the 2013 CITC senior A grade grand finals.

It has been over 20-years since these two clubs have taken to the field for senior A grand final rugby and today’s clash is certainly a refreshing end to the season for the greater rugby family.

For the past decade, both clubs have struggled to keep players due to outward migration and their leftover player stocks being attracted to the bigger.

Both clubs have also struggled on the field and have consistently always finished the rugby season towards the bottom end of the table.

However in 2013 with improved management, energy and with a couple of ‘import players’ filling key positions this has revived and awakened these sleeping giants this year with both teams now playing in their first club grand final in over 20-year.

The Reds last played in a club grand final in 1993–but lost to the Cowboys.

According to Reds stalwarts–the clubs last piece of silverware was won in the mid to late-1970s.

The Bulls last played in a club grand final in 1988 but lost to the Cowboys and their last recorded cup win was in the early 1980s.

In 2013 these two teams have played each other three times this season with the Bulls defeating the Reds twice – 8-6 in round five and 11-9 in the semi-finals.

The Reds beat the Bulls convincingly 23-10 in round 10.

With their stronger forward pack the Reds will probably take the favourites tag in today’s finals however the Reds biggest enemy at these big matches has been their ill-discipline.

If they can control their discipline and minimise their penalty count and just play their simple brand of ‘possession-position-points’ rugby they will be victorious.

The Bulls’ strength is their persistence and ‘never give-up’ team spirit which has seen them twice win games at the death – the Bulls twice scored match winning tries in the final minutes of play against the Reds.

From broken play or turn-over ball the Bulls are lethal on the counter attack – this has seen them score some glorious team tries.

Tactically the Reds will want to play regimented rugby while the Bulls will prefer to speed things up.

Both teams are blessed with talent galore however the following players will definitely contribute towards the final result.

In the Reds camp – their forward pack led by captain and prop Victor Mataora, number 8 Travel Tou Jnr and action-man flanker Teina Savage are the key players to look for.

Also look to these forwards to lay the platform for the Reds backline led by legendary first 5/8 Vase Samania and powerhouse centre Fa’au Amate to operate.

In the Bulls team – their strong-running Number 8 Tautua Ofisa has been in outstanding form all season supported by his loose forward partner Timo Tangirere, speed demons Vatu Sika and Mana Ngaau, skilful halves Bill Tangapiri and James Tofilau and elusive running fullback Eli Bendini.

If the Bulls forward pack can remain competitive throughout this match they will bring home the bacon!

Unfortunately the Bulls will be missing their inspirational captain and prop Joshua MacDonald who is out with injury.

So who will make history and have the fairy-tale ride off into the sunset ending this weekend? Be at the BCI Stadium this afternoon to find out.

Senior A grade Takuvaine Reds: Victor Mataora (Captain), Murare John, Papa Tuteru, Vaike Potoru, Pekamu Maoate, Poko Tepuretu, Mana Havi, Teina Savage, Travel Tou Jnr, Brian Toa, Vase Samania, Leon Paniani, Tautua Solomona, Fa’au Amate, Eddie Marama, Afato Ioane, Adam McCarthy, Patrick Ngarua, Daniel Ahau, Mose Korodreudreu, Peter Kermode, Ailoa Samania & Tereipa Williams.

Senior A Grade Titikaveka Bulls: Vian Rea,Tua Tuteru, Richard Tane, Steve Lyons, Ben Tautu, Sean Gilmore, Timo Tangirere, Tautua Ofisa, Bill Tangapiri, Teariki Piri, Vatu Sika, James Tofilau, Mana Ngaau, Juda Loki, Longo Leuta, Ilai Bendini, Turi Boaza, Fernandez Boaza, King Jubilee, Daniel Aererua.