City, well-coached by Ian Logan and Lorne Boyce-Goldsmith, are heading up very aware of the unique atmosphere on the cape.
TVC became the lion that tasted man in beating then-defending champions Hikurangi 24-21 on July 29, 2017. It was their first title in 27 years of trying and they have made the last three finals, only to fall to Uawa at Uawa Domain, Tokararangi at Te Araroa Domain and to Uawa on home soil most recently.
TVC, under Haimona Waititi and Tutere Waenga, want the Rangiora Keelan Memorial Shield to join the Kath McLean Memorial Cup for the winners of the first round, which their industrious, disciplined crew claimed a fortnight ago.
Logan's people had to wait three weeks to notch up their first win this season — 38-37 v Hicks Bay at Kawakawa mai Tawhiti, Wharekahika — but what a win it was, with their captain openside flanker Jack Richardson scoring two tries in the process.
Of this weekend, Logan said: “I want our boys to continue the good work they've put into their last few games.
“TVC have a good side. There will be no second chance for us or them, so we'll leave everything out there.”
In Pera Bishop, John Brown and Boss Blackbee, City have a front-row to push back against the enormously powerful likes of Rika Mato, Whetu Tukaki and scrum-anchor Hirini Delamere.
Fetcher Richardson's selfless commitment and the power-game of No.8 Atonio Walker-Leawere lose little in comparison to TVC skipper No.7 Hoani Te Moana — a central figure, in terms of his work-rate and leadership, for the hosts in 1 v 4 — and notables Ron-Paul McRoberts and Verdon Bartlett on the right-wing and at fullback respectively.
Both semi-finals are expected to be crackers that will go off irrespective of any heavy rain warning.
NPEC president Campbell Dewes anticipates more superb rugby to come on the Coast following next weekend's Rangiora Keelan Memorial Shield final — in the form of the sub-union Barry Cup and Heartland Championship — but the former Sky Blue rake wishes to see the semis and final go off without a hitch.
“As always, we're looking forward to great games, good company and good football,” said Dewes. “We enjoyed what we got out of another Covid-19-affected season: everyone's excited, and community morale is high.”
Hoping to get and stay on a roll at home tomorrow in 2 v 3 are last year's champions Uawa, who have won 3-5 after a rough start in the form of a postponement v TVC, 10-15 loss at home to Hicks Bay, a bye and then the break over Queen's Birthday Weekend.
The current champions first win was a 28-27 beauty v City, who in Round 4 of their club's centenary season played their hearts out at Whakarua Park in Ruatoria. Uawa got home — just.
Head coach Laman Davies and his captain lock Patrick Allen have had to work tirelessly with muscle and brain to compensate for the loss of players of the calibre of match-winning Coast halfback Sam Parkes (Josh Dearden has been great value at No.9).
Waiapu under Jesse Haenga are seeded third. They made a great start to 2022, defending their own keep 25-19 v City at George Nepia Memorial Park. They then drew 10-10 with Hikurangi at Kahuitara (any win v The Maunga at their place is a gutsy result) and at home beat Tokomaru Bay United 41-0.
Waiapu captain tighthead prop Perrin Manuel will no doubt set a good example for his fellow forwards; the man who cracked Hawke's Bay's defence in the Sky Blues' Ranfurly Shield challenge last season — Jorian Tangaere — will also need to step up at lock tomorrow.
They can rise to the occasion, which taking on the Big Blue Crew at Tolaga Bay in a knock-out scenario will require of them. Haenga said: “Our lads were keen and trained well last night, which is important because we'll need good discipline — to both attack and defend — within our structure.”
