Top teams Panthers and Cowboys clash

Today’s main game of the CITC club rugby competition is a top of the table clash between the Tupapa Panthers and Arorangi Cowboys.

Both teams play contrasting styles of rugby – the Cowboys play a more forward-orientated 10-man rugby while the Panthers enjoy the free-spirited expansive 15-man game.

After round two, reigning champions the Panthers are in a healthy position with two wins from two matches – 34-12 against the Takuvaine Reds and 34-12 against the Titikaveka Bulls.

The team is looking good with their competitive pack of forwards led by captain Kore Herrmann complementing their classy-backline.

This weekend’s match-up will be the real test of their character with the Cowboys also enjoying two wins on the trot.

The Cowboys have had comprehensive wins – 29-0 against the Ngatangiia Dragons and 33-8 against the Takuvaine Reds and will take plenty of confidence heading into today’s match with the Cowboys forward pack in dominant form.

Players to watch for in the Cowboys pack are their intimidating forward pack led by front rowers David Heather, Katini Heather, Timi ‘Shadow’ Tunui supported by hard-working locks Mike Crouch and Danny Heather – the tight five will be expected to lay the foundation for the teenage halfback-first five-eight pairing of Tereinga Murare and Basil Matapo to operate.

Watch for the Panthers to take every available opportunity to unleash their classy backline made-up of national representative players Turori Matutu, Conrad Piri and Louis Moemai as well as Kairan Mahia who will want to avoid the contact area if possible.

Expect these individuals to have a huge bearing on how this match is played although discipline too could have a key bearing on the final outcome of today’s top of the table clash.

- Ruck and Maul

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

Arorangi Cowboys senior A grade: David Heather, Agostine Heather, Titi George, Shadow Tunui, Mike Crouch, Danny Heather, Simona Wichman, Raina Wichman, George Sakaseru, Junior Tapurau, Simona Aumetua, Jean Pierre Rongokea, Tereinga Murare, Basil Matapo, Robert Heather Jnr, Toru Arona, Wasoi Karalo, Tuaine Teiti, Phillip Taoro, Tariu Tairea, Rouru Une, Joseph Napa, Jerry Phillip, Mosese Saunivalu.

In other matches today – the Avatiu Eels will host the Takuvaine Reds at the Swamp and the Titikaveka Bulls will host neighbors the Ngatangiia Dragons at the Titikaveka field.

Long before the senior A grade matches in the afternoon – age grade teams will take to the field with games sure to be full of excitement and flare.

Games at all three fields kick off at 10am with the boys and girls mixed rippa rugby.