U85kg National Club Cup Semi-Finals: Familiar Foes and Fresh Firepower Set the Stage

U85kg National Club Cup Semi-Finals: Familiar Foes and Fresh Firepower Set the Stage

The U85kg National Club Cup reaches its penultimate stage this weekend, as the top four teams from across Aotearoa New Zealand compete in the semi-finals. With provincial pride and national honours at stake, the matches promise high-calibre rugby and fierce competition.

Semi-final 1: High School Old Boys (Canterbury) v Pakuranga (Auckland)

This is a battle of the titans. In last year’s final, Pakuranga snatched victory against High School Old Boys (HSOB) by a single point in the final moments of the game. This semi-final is a chance for redemption for HSOB, who lifted the National Club Cup trophy in 2023.

Both sides have serious credentials, with five players from Pakuranga and seven from HSOB representing New Zealand in our U85kg National Team earlier this year. With a wealth of finals experience and a place in next week’s final to play for, this is a game not to be missed.

Where: Bob Deans Field #1, Christchurch
When: 1.00pm, Saturday 20 September

 

Semi-final 2: University Slugs (Auckland) v Pōneke (Wellington)

Our second semi-final promises a clash of styles and ambition, with both teams determined to lift the trophy for the first time. Each has come heartbreakingly close in recent years: the University Slugs fell to HSOB in last year’s semi-final, while Pōneke were edged out by Pakuranga in a one-point quarter-final thriller.

This season, the Slugs claimed the Auckland U85kg title, outperforming defending national champions Pakuranga. Pōneke, despite not competing in the Wellington U85kg comp, continue to defy expectations with consistently strong national performances.

Where: Colin Maiden Park #10, Auckland
When: 1.00pm, Saturday 20 September

 

Final Whistle

This year’s final will be the curtain raiser to the All Blacks versus Australia Bledisloe Cup clash on 27 September. Not only are the four teams playing to lift the trophy, but they’re also playing for the honour of running out on Eden Park as part of the final. 

Kick off for the U85’s final is at 2.15pm and ticket holders to the All Blacks match are being encouraged to head to the stadium early to cheer on the U85 National Club Cup final and make the most of the Sky Fan Zone.