Counties Power Game Of The Week
Counties Power Game of the Week -21 June
This weeks Counties Power Game of the week is a top of the table clash between Weymouth and Papakura Red in the Division 2 grade.
Weymouth sits at the top of the table, six points ahead of Papakura Red. Both sides are coming off almost identical wins last weekend. Weymouth beat Papakura Black 39-7 and Papakura Red beat Manurewa 40-7.
Weymouth is unbeaten this season and are looking forward to what Coach Mike Tu'ua describes as "One hell of a challenge". This match could very well be a pre run of the finals if both of these sides get their way.
Coach Tu'ua is assisted by Jack Takamore who is a double centurion and has been a real stalwart of the club. "Someone of his caliber and experience running the backs has made the backs a real threat" said Mike.
The two young stars of the side have been consistent all season. They are seventeen year old first-five/fullback Spencer Bini and Taniela Tuivai. Tuivai might be out with an ankle injury this weekend but apart from that Mike is confident of starting with his top line up.
Mike said "There are some big boys in their forwards and the flankers from both teams are quick to the breakdown, so it will be a great match to watch".
Papakura Red are coached by Jack Kani who is in his first year coaching this side at the club. However Kani is somewhat of a Counties Manukau rugby stalwart and has a long commitment to coaching.
Kani said "Weymouth is a very good team, with a big forward pack and we know we will have to be on top of our game to head them off. It will be a big battle to secure ball and we will fight for it all day long".
Captain, No 8 Nui Wellington is a 120 game centurion and at the other end of the spectrum vice-captain Ruka Loza is in his first year with the club. Players to watch are second-five/centre Tyrone Underhill and fullback/winger Stacey Mahara, both are up and coming young boys who are showing their talent. There are a few old heads helping guide the pack including prop Nathan Tepuni who has over 160 games under his belt and is keen to retire when his side gets in the premier grade which he hopes is this season!
Kick-off for this weeks Counties Power Game of the week Division 2 top of the table clash is 2.45pm at Weymouth.
For draws and results go to www.steelers.co.nz
What is the Counties Power Game of the Week
In a joint initiative between CMRFU and key sponsor Counties Power, the 2008 Counties Power Club Rugby had a new weekly feature the ‘Counties Power Game of the Week’ and it has run every since.
The ‘Counties Power Game of the Week’ is carefully selected to provide unique exposure to a particular match. The aim is to offer each club at least one opportunity to be featured. For the first four weeks of the competition the ‘Counties Power Game of the Week’ are pre selected. From then on, once all teams have participated in the competition for a few weeks, key match ups and other exciting games will be selected to be the ‘Counties Power Game of the Week’. The focus will be to feature teams across the grades 19’s to Premier’s of Club Rugby.
The Steelers website and CMRFU Media partner Franklin County News will feature the ‘Counties Power Game of the Week’ each Thursday prior to the match. The rugby club hosting the ‘Counties Power Game of the Week’ will be provided with promotional material to be displayed on game day along with player of the day gifts. The player of the day gifts have been kindly provided by Counties Power and associate club rugby sponsor David Reid Homes and will be presented to one player from each team after the game
