Weekly Newsletter & Team Sheets

Published: Thu, 06/25/26

Updated: Fri, 06/26/26

Kia ora ,

What a performance by the Canes last Saturday! It was one for the ages. For the 35,000 that battled their way up the concourse into the strengthening northerly to the match, no one would have expected what was going to unfold. It was just a breathtaking match where the Canes as a team seemed to have the ball on a string and the crowd fully playing its part.

When was the last time the crowd was belting out song after song even when the ball was in play? It brought back memories of the NZ Sevens in its heyday.

A great way to win a championship.

The only downside for the weekend was Du'Plessis Kirifi not making the AB squad. It seems unless you can play multiple positions you are at a selection disadvantage. Class is permanent, so I'm sure he will get his opportunity.

Back to why we are here. The Premiers played Upper Hutt in what was a precursor to who would probably host second vs third in the first round of the Jubilee Cup knock-out competition.

Tawa, playing into the wind in the first half, sprung into life midway through the first half by scoring three tries in several minutes to lead 19 - 3. This should have been more but a fourth try went begging and instead Upper Hutt broke out and scored, and it was 19 - 10 at halftime.

Now with the wind, Tawa dominated early territory and possession but again missed scoring opportunities and also turned down a shot at goal from in front. Upper Hutt weathered this and used their bench to come back with two late tries to take the lead. Tawa had a late chance to win with an attacking scrum inside the 22, but Upper Hutt turned it over and won the game 24 - 19. Tawa were left rueing a number of missed opportunities and a pair of second half yellow cards which cost them the game.

This leaves Upper Hutt second on 47 points, Tawa third on 44 points, and Hutt Old Boys fourth on 43. They play Avalon (Home), Wellington (Home) and Ories (Away) respectively in the last round.

In other results:

The Premier 2s won 17 - 16 over Upper Hutt. This leaves them fifth and two points behind Pare-Plim. Both teams play opposition they should beat in their last round matches, so places will probably be unchanged.

The Ducks lost to Poneke 31 - 14. The result means they play Johnsonville in a semi-final away this Saturday in the Paul Potiki Shield. The Colts lost to a very good Petone team 24 - 14. And the Reserves didn't have enough players for their match.

Please note that following significant rainfall across the Wellington region over the past few days, and with conditions not expected to improve overnight, only our Premier team will be playing tomorrow. Our other Senior grade games have been cancelled. All Junior games on Friday and Saturday have also been cancelled.

Premier team sheet is as follows:

Look forward to catching up with everyone on Saturday. Keep warm.

Steve Rogers

President

JUNIOR SPOTLIGHT - Stars of the Week

UPCOMING GAMES | SATURDAY 27 JUNE

Grade	Home Team	Away Team	Location	Time
Premier	Tawa	Wellington	Lyndhurst Park 1	2.45pm

Thank you,

Tawa Rugby Football Club

23a Lyndhurst Road
Tawa Wellington 5028
NZ

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