Pirates Old Boys is up against the defending champion Woodlands in the Galbraith Shield final at at Rugby Park tomorrow.
The premier grade was scheduled without semifinals this year after the season got off to a late start as the rugby community attempted to avoid the autumn Omicron surge.
Pirates Old Boys Hawks went through the first round unbeaten but lost momentum during the second round as the fitness of fellow premier clubs improved and the Hawks had their turn with injury and illness.
The Hawks lost three of their last five games, but each loss was by only one point.
The Hawks took a depleted team to Winton last weekend but had the better of the last 30 minutes to beat Midlands 26-17.
Pirates Old Boys will be back to full strength for the final except for the big loss of injured No8 Jakob Harrex.
The return of halfback Josh Murrell is essential for the team’s cohesion and penchant for a high-tempo style of game.
Team coaches Michael McKenzie, Ben McHugh and Dayna Cunningham are under no illusions about the task in front of their team.
Woodlands is the defending Galbraith Shield holder after pulling off one of the most remarkable come-from-behind victories when it won last year’s final 24-23.
Star had a 23-7 lead with seven minutes remaining but Woodlands was able to score three late tries to steal victory.
Woodlands last week fielded one of the strongest club starting teams seen in Southland for its last round-robin game against Star.
If Woodlands had slipped up, then Blues would have been in the final, but there was little chance of that happening as the professional-looking Woodlands team comfortably won 55-17 after leading 36-0 at halftime.
All of the Woodlands backline for that match had first-class experience but the crowd was most interested in watching former All Black Damian McKenzie starting at fullback.
McKenzie is not available for the final but his brother, first five Marty McKenzie, will still be leading a very formidable Woodlands team.
The front row is perhaps Woodlands greatest strength; prop Joe Walsh played his 50th game for the club last week, while fellow front rowers Paula Latu, Jason Rutledge and Chris Barrett are unlikely to be bettered in club rugby.
Edendale will host the division 1 Ack Soper Shield final for the second year in a row.
Edendale was narrowly beaten by Wyndham in last year’s final but will start as favourite against the same opponent tomorrow.
Southland final
Possible teams
Pirates Old Boys: Levi Gage, Talemaitoga Tuapati, Rikirangi Gage, Craig Smith (vc), Ben Morris, Dustin Coveney, Ben Keenan, Hayden Hegarty, Josh Murrell, Greg Dyer (c), Anton Huisman, Materua Tupou, Isaac Te Tamaki (vc), 14. Kepu Suli, Jaye Thompson, Alex Fraito, Carlos Tawhi, Dom Collins, George Hall, Junior Toparea, Jordan Tooby, Cory Hoffman-Grey.
Woodlands: Joe Walsh, Jason Rutledge, Paula Latu, Matt James, Caleb Aprahama, Curtis Williams, Robbie McKenzie, Charles Alaimalo, Liam Howley, Marty McKenzie, Joe Gillies, Matt Whaanga, Tauasosi Tuimavave, Kieran Lee, M Rory Van Vught, Hayden Hart, Chris Barrett, Cody Sayer, Michael Gellatly, Cole Williams, Drew Carter, Chris Withers, Simione Lasaro.
By John Langford
