The match, which kicks off at 2.30pm, is a tough one to pick.
Form is not enough to predict the winner, as both sides have stormed into the final on the back of impressive performances in recent outings. The Tigers started the season strongly before being derailed by University and then struggling to put their best side on the field against the Southland sides. They then returned to form and have won their past five games.
The Eagles had a much slower start to the season, failing to record a win until they came up against the Winton Warlords in the Otago-Southland combined competition. However, their form in the back end of the season is much improved and they have won three of their past four games — the solitary loss was by two points to the South Pacific RaidersDespite being in the competition for only four years, this is the Eagles’ third grand final, although they are yet to win one.
Player-coach Dave Broughton is hopeful this could be the year, saying they "will try to put a solid team forward despite a lot unavailable, to play to our strengths, and to leave with our heads high and nothing in the tank".
On the back of a very successful campaign last year, and another strong season this year, the Tigers head into the final as favourites.
Coach Shane Unahi has played on occasion but has largely focused on developing the younger players in a coaching role. If Unahi plays today, he will provide an additional headache for the Eagles defenders, as he is renowned for his strong carries and ability to break the line with ease.
Captain Vila Apuula has been hampered by injuries but his direction and attacking threat, when fit and firing, ia second to none. Apuula also has the luxury of directing play in partnership with Taua Piri, another senior Tigers member who maintains a cool head under pressure and knows how to manipulate defensive lines.
Eagles halves pair, captain Kieran Fitzgerald and Owen Draper, have been instrumental in their recent success. Both players have elusive footwork and the attacking nous needed to break the line and exploit weaknesses in opposition defenders.
The battle in the middle will be interesting. The Eagles are known for being strong through the middle on the back of the efforts from Jordan Fuatavai, the leader in the pack who gets the Eagles off to a strong start and closes the game out, and fellow prop Marcel Taani, who comes off the bench to put the hard yards in through the middle of the game.
Lock Hagan Free will be tasked with keeping the Eagles forwards at bay, a job he has relished all season. Free is an endurance forward, playing big minutes and consistently topping the tackle count. If the Tigers are to win the battle of the packs, Free is likely to have had a strong showing.
The side that gains dominance through its forward pack is likely to walk away the winner.
- Ricki Allan
