Alhambra-Union coach Cathy Charles paused briefly following a suggestion her side was favoured to make it through to the finals.
The competition front-runners are unbeaten this season and will host Dunedin at the North Ground in one semifinal, while Clutha Valley has secured home advantage for its playoff match against University.
Charles was satisfied with the way her side has performed this season.
The 46-5 win against Clutha Valley late last month was an obvious highlight.
That was a top of the table clash and the comprehensive result means AU can take plenty of confidence into the playoffs.
"We’ve done well so far," Charles said.
"It is nice to have a home semifinal and that is what we wanted. But they are a tough side, so I don’t take anything for granted."
It was rather measured praise considering. But then Dunedin is a lot stronger than its record of one win, two losses and a draw suggests.
That draw was in the opening round against Alhambra-Union. Dunedin is also made up of a large core of the Pirates team which won the title last season.
Charles’ hesitation to latch on to the favourite’s tag is understandable given that context.
"I’ve felt confident the last few years and it hasn’t gone our way. But I’m happy with our progress.
"We’ve tried to improve each week and we’ve done that, so I hope we can show that [today]."
The match against Dunedin shapes as a battle of styles. AU will lean on its forward pack to out muscle its opponent.
Prop Paige Church and loose forward Zoe Whatarau are key to getting AU moving in the right direction, while gun Australian halfback Georgia Cormick has been dynamic.
AU is on its third second five this season. Tessa Brown will don the No 12 jersey.
Dunedin has an edge out wide with the likes of veteran outside back Sheree Hume and the dangerous Meg Breen.
First five Maia Joseph is another quality player who will be expected to have a big impact on the game.
The other semi will be kind of similar. Clutha Valley will look to dominate up front, while University will be hoping for a dry track and a reasonable share of the ball.
University has an impressive loose forward trio of Grace Carroll, Leah Miles and Julia Gorinski and its record (two wins, two losses) is also better than it looks.
It was edged 17-15 by Alhambra-Union last weekend and lost to Clutha Valley 27-25 in round two.
Clutha Valley loose forward Tegan Hollows scored three tries in the match and shapes as a threat.
Big River Country are hard to beat at home, so have that working in their advantage as well.
Dunedin premier
women’s semifinals
Alhambra-Union v Dunedin, North Ground, 1pm
Clutha Valley v University, Clutha Showgrounds, 1pm
