He said he hoped for third time lucky in this year’s final. Lock Micaiah Torrance-Read, who missed the semifinal with an Achilles problem, could be back for the final. COB coach Bryan Matenga said it was disappointing to miss out, but Varsity were clinical. He said they didn’t execute their game plan in a poor first half, but he was proud of his side falling just short. Varsity were slow to start and after conceding two early tries, one a 50-metre intercept by COB flanker Elyjah Crosswell, looked off the pace. But Varsity wing TamaToa Ropati scored an intercept try of his own before half-time to swing the match in Varsity’s favour, as they took a 13-12 lead into the break.
Matenga was expecting it to be a big clash, and he said College had to keep doing what they had been doing and keep their discipline. His job will be helped this weekend by the return of backs Cyrus Baker and Awatere Kiwara from injury this week, and Patrick Tafili-Reid who has been unavailable the past two weeks. Manawatū Turbos flanker Johnny Galloway should be back from injury this week too. Back Andrew McDougall returned from tonsillitis last week and lock Massimo Kirikiri returned from concussion last week. It offsets the loss of suspended forwards Cory Purton, Kodie Albert-Papuni and Hamuera Burn, as well as loosie Elyjah Crosswell, who is with the New Zealand Barbarians under-20s this week playing against the Super Rugby under-20 teams in Taupō.
There were also yellow cards for Dane Whale (COB), Ben Stephens (COB) and Chase Jordan (Freyberg) for infringing at the breakdown. Freyberg were up for it in parts and put COB under pressure, with standout No 8 Jekope Kitou making big runs up the middle and getting Freys on the front foot. College held the ball for longer periods, taking advantage of any Freyberg mistake, with first five-eighth Stewart Cruden finding gaps. Their scrum was a weapon and won them a penalty try. Loose forwards Jared Goodson, who was a regular lineout target, and Elyjah Crosswell got stuck into everything. Pacey Freyberg wing Varcon King showed a clean pair of heels again and scored two tries, while midfielder Josh Maoate and hard-working openside flanker Michael Halutuituia had strong games.