Rugby: Southern, Harbour favoured

Southern lock Ryan Thompson claims lineout ball during the game against Harbour at Bathgate Park...
Southern lock Ryan Thompson claims lineout ball during the game against Harbour at Bathgate Park on Saturday. Photo by Peter McIntosh.

Southern halted Harbour's winning streak last week but can it get past defending champion Taieri? And will University A continue its late-season revival by upsetting Gallaway Trophy winner Harbour? Club rugby writer Adrian Seconi previews the Dunedin club semifinals.

Southern v Taieri
Forsyth Barr Stadium
Tomorrow, 1pm

Previous games: Southern 22-11 (Bathgate Park), Taieri 15-8 (Peter Johnstone Park).

Key Taieri players: First five-eighth Josh Casey is the competition's leading scorer with a record 275 points to date this season. He is a dangerous ball runner from broken play and is in good form with the boot. Taieri captain and experienced No 8 Charlie O'Connell, hard-running prop Aki Seiuli and lock Josh Larson are key figures in the forward pack.

Key Southern players: No 8 Mika Mafi is busy on attack and hard to stop when he gets rolling. Flanker Adam Knight is reliable in the lineout and a tireless worker, while the Walden brothers, Josh and Tei, bring leadership and organisation. And beware Bryce Hosie - his goal-kicking has been impressive.

Seconi's tip: Can I play the ''it's too close to call'' card? If Taieri can get parity up front then the Eels certainly have the potency to exploit an even share of possession. But Southern has one of the best forward packs in the competition and an accurate goal-kicker, and is very organised on defence. Southern by three points.

 

Harbour v University A
Forsyth Barr Stadium
Tomorrow, 3pm

Previous games: Harbour 24-13 (Watson Park), Harbour 38-31 (University Oval).

Key Harbour players: Harbour has perhaps the best balance between power up front and potency out wide. Co-captain and centre Aleki Morris is arguably the pivotal player in the backline and fullback Logan Allen has a monster punt. Front-rower Peter Mirrielees has a wealth of experience. Flanker Naulia Dawai is big tackler and scores plenty of tries, while fellow loosies Charles Elton and Ben Whale have perhaps been underrated.

Key University A players: University A's fortunes have fluctuated but the students are dangerous when their forwards and backs combine. Centre Matt Faddes is a constant threat. The team is well led by hooker Sam Sturgess and flanker Dillon Hunt gets through a lot of work.

Seconi's tip: University A has pushed Harbour close in both matches this season and finished the round-robin phase with some good results. But if Harbour's forward pack wrestles control of the game then the Hawks should be able to record a comfortable victory. Harbour by 10.

Gainsborough Shield (bottom six)Tomorrow, 2.45pm(5) Dunedin v (8) Pirates, Kettle Park(6) Zingari-Richmond v (7) Kaikorai, Montecillo(9) Alhambra-Union v (10) Green Island, North Ground

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