Rugby rivals set for epic showdown

Defending champions Tupapa Panthers plan to bring all the tricks they have learned in training to the table when they take on the Awati Unikau Eels in the Rarotonga Club 15s final this Saturday in what they expect will be a tough battle.

The Panthers beat the Eels in last year’s clash and the two sides have met twice this season, with each side winning once.

Captain Daniel Toa believes they can pull off another classic win to end the 2024 season on a high note, but still need to be wary of the ‘Swamp Boys’.

“We expect a very tough match against Awatiu. The last few games we played, the difference was two points, which was very tough. The result may not be the same, we expect them to play a very difficult game.”

Toa said the team’s confidence has grown over the past few weeks and as a team they will execute well from set pieces, making sure to win the ball back and retain possession throughout the match.

His advice to the players is to enjoy the moment and make the most of the game, “because they rarely have the chance to reach the final.”

Toa also said they are not too worried about the Eels’ plans, adding that they will follow their season-long training plan to help them retain the title.

He called on all Tupapa supporters to get behind the team.

Darren Pirie’s Panthers finished second behind the Eels with four wins and two losses. Last weekend, the Panthers defeated the Arorangi Bears 14-8 in a hard-fought semi-final.

The Eels finished top of the tournament with five wins out of six in the preliminary rounds. In last week’s semi-final, the Clive Nicholas-coached Eels defeated the Titikaweka Bulldogs 48-24.

Avatiu Nikao Eels captain Li Ponini said the team has several talented players on the field and they will focus on the back line and forwards as the team’s main strengths.

Bonini said that in previous games against the Panthers, they won the first game and lost the second, but they had identified the little areas where they had difficulties.

Speaking about the challenges they expect to face against the Panthers, Bonini said: “It’s mainly forward heavy and some key players in the back line. They have very good centre forwards. So that’s something we have to watch out for and isolate them when we go out there on Saturday.”

His advice to the team is to “go all out from the start.”

“Don’t wait for the opponent to score first. Let us score first. Accumulate points and play strong defense all day long.”

Cook Islands Rugby Union development manager Ben Koteka said a key factor in the final was discipline – the team that could best withstand the pressure on the day would likely emerge victorious.

Kotka praised both captains and said Bonini played well for the Eels and was the team’s leader, while Toa’s leadership was crucial for the Panthers.

The men’s premier final between the Panthers and the Eels will kick off at Teimurimotia Park in Titikaweka at 4pm.