Improving Bulls provide intrigue

They last challenged for the right to play in the opening game of the season, but the Under 16 Titikaveka Bulls will be hoping the similarities end there when they play the Arorangi Cowboys in the final Powerade Challenge of the season.

The Bulls had a rude awakening in the opening challenge with a 5-77 thrashing at the hands of the current titleholders.

But as the season has progressed so too have their abilities, which were seen when they shut out the highly-fancied Tupapa Panthers 27-0 last weekend.

The Cowboys, meanwhile, have looked patchy throughout the second half of the season and needed a late surge to ensure they secured a 31-21 win over the Panthers.

It means a clash that would have had rugby enthusiasts reaching for their pillows will instead be anything but a walk in the park for the two-time premiers.

The benefits of the new scrummaging laws imposed on the under 16 concept has meant backlines are able to focus more on their own performances and both packs will be on show in a tantalising match-up.

The halfback’s role has certainly become more important and classy captain Dezharn Henry has provided his side with quick ball when needed.

First five-eight Teariki Matenga has certainly benefitted from that distribution, with his vision and guidance crucial for allowing time for midfielders like Jedrek Engu and Travel Tuaputa to wind up and provide momentum for the Bulls.

The holders will certainly not back down and will look to their opening match of the season for renewed confidence of a team that can do the damage up front.

William Boller and Puna Tamarua have added a lot of stability in what has been a fine season for the forward pack, while ‘action-man’ Dennis Rangi has played out of his skin throughout the competition to show why he is the side’s captain.

But arguably the biggest influence will come from first five-eight Leo Roa, who pulls the strings in the backline. His personal matchup with Matenga will certainly be key to whoever wins this encounter.

Johnny Hosking will hold the whistle for this Wednesday’s finale, scheduled for the Arorangi Field today at 4.30pm.

The drama and intrigue of the final challenge of the season will be followed by prizegiving immediately afterwards.

Under 16 Arorangi Cowboys: Nga Jessie, Fortes Anthony, Terua Glassie, Nuka Mokoroa, William Boller, Tunui Torope, Nick Brogan, Dennis Rangi, Morgan Wichman, Leo Roa, Teina Tairi, Helsom Teiti, James Taoro, Owen Turuta, R J Graham, Travel Une, Reg Heather, Nick Maui, Turama Tou, Kane Warren Puna Tamarua, Taoa Vaevaenaki.

Under 16 Titikaveka Bulls: Jason Uka, Tuaine Tekariu, Tauraki Hosea, Revival Turua, Tyrone Tairea, Harmon Royale, Aaron Pokino, Matangaro Varu, Dezharn Henry, Teariki Matenga, Jedrek Engu, Teava Iro, Karika Tuake, Henry Hosea, Travel Tuaputa, Reece Richmond, Matty Sheedon, Peter Matapo.