The Counties Power Game of the Week will see Onewhero Carters host Pukekohe Mitre 10 on the hill on Saturday at 2.45pm. The last time these two sides played each other in round one, Onewhero edged out Pukekohe in a 28-23 victory which was the first time they had beaten their neighbours in 10 years. Pukekohe will be looking to rectify this slip-up and with only Ardmore Marist left to play, they must win their next two matches to make the play-offs. For Onewhero, who sit one point behind them on the table they will be keen to prove their pervious win against their Pukekohe it was not a one-off. Onewhero will be hurting from their comprehensive loss to Ardmore Marist in the weekend. It was a clear lesson that the whole team need to front, not just two-thirds of the side and will be keen to put their ‘shocker’ behind them. Pukekohe also lost but theirs was a narrow four point loss to Bombay 24-20. Unfortunately for them they have dropped a few close games that could have gone either way and had them sitting higher up the table, but that is the game of rugby. It is fair to say Onewhero have batted well above their weight over the last few seasons after earning their way back into Division One but this season they have been hindered by the lost of two massive players for them. Steeler Adam Cathcart has been out all season with injury and gritty halfback Dave Bason who has recently transferred with an ITM Cup contract with North Harbour. Their front row has been impressive most of the season but they will face a very hungry Pukekohe side. Pukekohe have had a frustrating season. They definitely have the talent and if they are all on song, they are highly competitive. Their games have showed flashes of brilliance but consistent performances are something they need to focus on to keep their play-off hopes alive. Centre Niva Ta’auso, flanker Sam Henwood, the every reliable Mark Price and versatile Mike Porter have been solid corner stones for the team, with Ta’auso still showing his class. Coach Dave Munro said “It will be a hard game on top of the hill. They are coming off a hard loss so both teams will be up for it.” Pukekohe sit just outside the top four but will lose four players for Ranfurly Shield duty which will test their base and Onewhero will lose a few key forwards which will be challenging for them. For Onewhero their most consistent players have been their forwards including inspiring leadership from Rob Katu. Fijian winger Epeli Lotawa has matured nicely as the season progressed and one to watch is centre Filipe Pau who is the top try scorer on the PGG Wrightson Leaderboard. “It is high stake rugby and we want to put on a good performance in front of our home crowd,” said Onewhero coach Jason McIntosh-Kerr The Counties Power Game of the week kicks off at Onewhero at 2.45pm.
Posted on: Wed, 02 Jul 2014 23:23:39 +0000
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