The teams have reversed their roles of last year, when Lawrence was unbeaten and firm favourite to win before Clutha knocked it off its perch.
Clutha is the benchmark this season, unbeaten and playing very well. Will history repeat itself? The red and whites are high on confidence. Their backline has been their strength. The backs thrive in open play and have an extremely quick back three — Kane Teunissen, Robin Fesilafai and Tyler Bichan have scored 47 tries between them. The inside back combination of captain Jared Edwards and Rhys Harrold has again delivered for Clutha. The likes of Zac Thoms, Tyler Brouwer and Matt Barton have successfully made the step up from the colts grade. Forwards Kerrod Baldwin and Kurt Turnbull have again had solid seasons for Clutha. Prop Daniel Miller is having a standout season and will be looking for another big game this weekend.
Clutha will look to attack Lawrence out wide and find holes in the midfield. Lawrence has hit great form at the right time of the season. The forward pack has stepped up and is setting a quality platform.
The set piece is back to its best and this is where it will look to target Clutha. Props Patrick Clegg and Stu Young are having stellar seasons. First five-eighth Stu Melville’s kicking game will be important, and getting the ball to centre Sam Wyber will be key to getting Lawrence over the advantage line.
In the second semifinal, Clutha Valley hosts Crescent. Each has beaten the other this year and both games have been hard-fought.
But the sides have had a lean run of late.
Valley has lost its last two games, albeit to Clutha and Lawrence. Crescent had a tight win over Clinton before drawing with Toko last weekend in a dour affair.
Valley’s loose forwards and midfield have been their strong points. Blindside flanker Damian Wilson is having a great season. He controls Valley’s impressive lineout and covers plenty of ground.
The midfield combination of Jayden Dovey and Jonny Sargent has terrorised backlines all year. Expect them to do the same this week.
The side has pace to burn out wide and the backline is not scared to give the ball air. The Crescent front row will seek to dominate and create a decent platform.
- Francis Parker