“We had a goal to get the threepeat this year. We’re excited about it, hopefully not too excited and we don’t lose our composure really. “The last three years we’ve knocked Varsity out in the playoffs. There’s not going to be a team that wants it more. Hopefully that doesn’t trump our threepeat.” He said Feilding had a strong team with good culture. “[Varsity are] a good side and we know it s going to be a nail-biter. We know it’s going to come down to moments and both teams are experienced in those moments. Hopefully it goes our way.”
“There’s a lot of experience there and it’s good to have that and keep the young guys on their toes.” Influential midfielder Hamish Northcott returned last week after injuring his leg in week one, while halfback Bryn Wilson and front rower Flyn Yates also returned. Hurricanes halfback Jamie Booth, who broke his leg playing for Manawatū last year, has recovered and will play 40 minutes. Another big boost is loosie Dallas Tatana, who is back from Japan. Prop Tony Walker-Leawere is back after a week off and bustling loose forward Joe Tako also returned last week. Hooker Ben Strang will miss this week with a knee complaint and lock Matt Masoe is also injured.
If the Ben Werthmuller and Matene Ruawai road show keeps on trucking, don't rule out Old Boys-Marist from the Hankins Shield semifinals as they set out to run down Te Kawau.
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.