Rugby: Title chasers gear up for full-on finale

Autumn-Rain Stephens-Daly, promising Western Heights High School player, is expected to be among the schoolgirl rugby talent on show at Blake Park today. Photo / Andrew Warner

Te Puke, Opotiki girls have little between them, statistics reveal

The girls' secondary school rugby season will go out with a bang today with five playoff matches at Blake Park.

Opotiki College and Te Puke High School will meet in a title decider that seems destined to go down to the wire.

The two sides have been neck and neck all season. They have the same record (8-1), the same points differential and won their semifinals by the same 41-5 score over Western Heights High School and Taupo Nui-a-Tia respectively.

Te Puke coach Mike Nitz is happy with his team's progress.

"Two years ago they were bottom of the competition so I'm very proud of the season so far," Nitz said.

"Our senior players have stepped up to the mark this year. Our younger players are keen to learn from them.

"It has been enjoyable seeing them progress over the last two years," he said.

He is preparing his side for an intense forward battle.

"Last time we met, they beat us through the forwards. We've probably got the best backs in the competition. Our plan is to use our backs."

Opotiki coach Richard "Digger" Wilson agrees.

"The girls are really amped about this game ... our forwards are pretty tough to compete against. We've probably got the best forward pack, country wide, at the moment. But the Te Puke backs are pretty lethal."

The winners will advance to represent Bay of Plenty in the national girls' knock-out competition, and will host the winners of the playoff between the Waikato and Counties qualifiers on August 30.

Girls' 1st XV Finals Day

Blake Park, Mt Maunganui, today
9th/10th: Tauranga Girls' College v Rotorua Lakes High School, 1pm
7th/8th: Whakatane High School v Te Wharekura O Mauao, 2.15pm
5th/6th: Rotorua Girls' High School v Trident High School, 1pm
3rd/4th: Taupo Nui-a-Tia College v Western Heights High School, 2.15pm
Final: Opotiki College v Te Puke High School 1, 3.30pm.