Panthers regroup for next do-or-die

After Tupapas disappointing 9-21 loss last week to the Ngatangiia Dragons, the Panthers have been in recovery-mode this week.

Todays match against the Arorangi Cowboys will again be make or break for the Panthers if they want to stay in the top four contention.

With this being the second to last game of the round there is a scramble between the bottom three teams Panthers, Bulls and Reds for the fourth spot.

The Panthers will need to win todays match to stay in contention and build some confidence heading into the finals. The team does have the firepower to win todays match but the question is: do they have the fire?

Both teams will play in contrasting styles, with the Cowboys more forward-oriented, 10-man rugby opposed to the Panthers preferred 15s open-style game.

For the Panthers, expect big matches from national representatives Conrad Piri (fullback/winger) and Wallace Aroita (First 5/8).

For the Cowboys, the strong-running Number 8 Ina Tapurau and human-loader prop David Heather have been in commanding form of late. Expect these individuals to have a bearing on the outcome of this match.

The last time these two teams met in round 5, the Cowboys won 25-10.

In the other games for the weekend, the Reds take on the Eels at Takuvaine. Expect no love lost in this battle between these two neighbours in the City Origin.

At Titikaveka the Bulls will play the Dragons. The last time these teams played, the Dragons finished stronger in the final quarter to win by 29-10. Expect another tough and bruising encounter between these two country cousins ala Country Origin.

Back at Arorangi, the senior A grade match kicks-off at 4.10pm.

Arorangi Cowboys David Heather, Katini Heather, Timi Tunui, Simona Nicholas, Danny Heather, Eddie Teraitua, Ina Tapurau, Pierre Rongokea, Spoon Marsters, Pomare Pokipoki, Rouru Une, Sami Tuivaga, Johnny George, Moti Tuivaga, George Tuivaga.

Tupapa Panthers Mattew Arioka, Ngametua Taama, Trevor Arona, Ben Tautu, Kana Nga, Eddie Herman, Kore Herman, Aseli Tangi, Olaf Rasmussen, Wallace Aroita, Rua Ngametua, Lua Tua, Turori Matutu, Andrew Iroa, Conrad Piri, Mau George, Lefou George, Tupou Faireka, Teariki Faireka.

- Ruck and maul

Round 9 draw for Saturday, September 3: Titikaveka Bulls vs Ngatangiia Dragons (Venue: Titikaveka) 3pm, Under 16, Ref: Tavake Manuel Assist. Ref: Club Official; 4.10pm, Senior A, Ref: Johnny Hosking Assist. Ref: Ratu Mato / Tavake Manuel.

Takuvaine Reds vs. Avatiu Eels (Venue: Takuvaine) 12pm, Under 13, Ref: Club Official Assist. Ref: Club Official; 12.40pm, Under 16, Ref: Poto Ngaroi Assist. Ref: Mia Tuteru / Kakaio Robati; 1.45pm, Under 19, Ref: Billy Tuaivi Assist. Ref: Tangata Samania / Simiona Teiotu; 3.05pm, Senior B, Ref: Vaivase Samania Assist. Ref: Tangata Samania/ Simiona Teiotu; 4.10pm Senior A Ref: Tua Ngaputa Assist. Ref: Simiona Teiotu / Poto Ngaroi.

Arorangi Cowboys vs Tupapa Panthers (Venue: Arorangi) Game Of The Week 12.30pm, Under 13, Ref: Club Official Assist. Ref: Club Official; 1.20pm, Under 16, Ref: Tutai Tuakana Assist. Ref: Titi George / Bishop Bishop; 2.40pm, Under 19, Ref: Phillip Strickland Assist: Bishop Bishop / Tutai Tuakana; 4.10pm, Senior A, Ref: Arthur Emile Assist. Ref: Phillip Strickland / Tutai Tuakana.