In last weekend’s semifinals, they ousted defending champions Tihirau Victory Club 31-29 but Tokararangi also showed they can rise to the occasion by knocking out top qualifiers Hikurangi (31-24), having lost to them 29-19 earlier in the season.
No.8 Wirepa junior and his crew defied the odds through skill, resourcefulness and grit — along with the deadly right boot of William Martin, who kicked four conversions and a penalty goal.
The finalists have similar records this season — Uawa have won 12 of 15 games and Toka 11 of 15.
Uawa won both round-robin games between the sides — 14-7 in the first round at Te Araroa and 23-20 in an intense return match.
The scores tell the story of just how close it was between these sides as self-preservation was set aside, and tomorrow is shaping to be a similar battle.
Tokararangi will need strong leadership from men in key roles — hooker Tina Waitoa, lock Frank Henderson and blindside flanker Hone Haerewa. The visitors must win their own lineout ball and hold their own at scrum-time.
They will also need their younger players to step up and Wirepa junior is confident they will.
“While we have youngsters such as 18-year-old Phoenix Brown playing in their first final, the blessing is that they know nothing of that pressure. To them, it’s just another game.”
Captain and halfback Israel Brown knows this final is winnable but is well aware they cannot afford to make mistakes.
“We’ve been pretty low-key but we aren’t newcomers to the finals,” he said. “Our people are humble but we’re going to give it 100 percent.”
Finalists couldn’t play boring rugby if they triedUawa skipper/lock Scott Lasenby and his side are similarly focused as they look to reclaim the Rangiora Keelan Memorial Shield.
“We’re pretty excited; there was a really good feeling at training last night,” said the hard-grafting Lasenby.
“Our job up front is to build phases, give our backs clean ball and be disciplined for the whole 80 minutes.”
If they can secure enough possession, they have devastating backs on hand to finish the job. Centre Jordan Birch scored his eighth try last weekend while BJ Sidney is a brilliant stepper,.
Anybody who thinks tomorrow will be dour 10-man stuff if the weather tries to dictate hasn’t been paying attention this season. These teams couldn’t play boring rugby if they tried.
Loyal club men such as tighthead prop Puri Hauiti and blindside flanker Kerehama Blackman can sniff a rare opportunity in recent seasons as Uawa look to end a nine-yeaer drought.
Their last Shield win was in 2009 — 24-17 over Tokomaru Bay United — having lost the previous year’s edition 17-8 to Tokararangi.
Tokararangi last won the final in 2015, beating Hicks Bay 14-5 in Te Araroa
The officials for tomorrow are referee Whiti Timutimu, in charge of her second East Coast final, with Harawira Matahiki and Matt Richards the assistants.
UAWA (1-22): Laman Davies, Wyntah Riki, Puri Hauiti, Daniel Knubley, Scott Lasenby (captain), Kerehama Blackman, Rikki Kernohan, Harley Phillips, Sam Parkes, Mangu Kemp, Niao Savage, Rik Crawford, Jordan Birch, Tipene Meihana, BJ Sidney. Reserves: Moana Nuku, Richard Tuhaka, Reg Namana, Adrian Allen, Jesse Rye, Jesse Saywell.
TOKARARANGI (1-22): Josh King, Tina Waitoa, Chris Bristowe, Frank Henderson, Anton King, Hone Haerewa, Watarawi Ngata, Morgan Wirepa junior, Israel Brown (c), Pamona Samupo, Taylor Hovell, Teina Potae, Te Whetu Waitoa, Phoenix Brown, William Martin. Reserves: Hannes Akapita-Wanoa, Jim Hovell, Wiremu Henare, Chanz Hale, Dallas French, Tohi Wanoa, Enoka Waitoa.
