Wellington and Canterbury Maori teams primed for re-match tomorrow

Local fans looking for a match to watch tomorrow should head to Helston Park in Johnsonville to watch the Wellington Maori rugby team defend the Tirikatene Shield against the visiting Canterbury Maori side, kick-off 1.00 pm.

Te Upoko O Te Ika's (Wellington Maori) will leave nothing in the tank in their defence of the Tirikatene Shield. Te Upoko O Te Ika beat Waitaha (Canterbury Maori) in an extraordinary come from behind 52-51 win last year in Christchurch.

Waitaha would have been forgiven if they had thought that the taonga was safely locked away for another season with a commanding first half lead. In the second half Te Upoko O Te Ika slowly chipped away at Waitaha's lead.

In the final play of the game wing Jason Love scored a sensational try down the side line which was converted by fullback Randall Bishop.

Such is the mana of the shield, Waitaha immediately laid a challenge for the taonga, and the two teams meet again tomorrow.

Both sides agree that it is a shame that their game last year was not televised; it was a fantastic example of Maori rugby at its best. It brought out the natural attacking flair and relentless defence typical of Maori rugby, where players are encouraged to express themselves. Just as important as playing the game both sides came together as one rugby whanau sharing kai and whangantanga.

Traditional fixtures such the Tirikatene Shield and the Ratana Cup, the South Island Maori Rugby trophy, are platforms to showcase the free flowing attacking rugby that New Zealand is renowned for. It not only strengthens communities and family ties throughout the motu, it also provides players an opportunity to push for higher honours that may not have been given that opportunity.

Last year's fixture was the first time both sides had met since 2008. They have a long, proud history and would play each other annually until financial restraints became an issue.

This season the WRFU introduced the inaugural Festival competition consisting of Wellington City, Wellington Suburbs, Wellington Samoans and Te Upoko O Te Ika. Te Upoko O Te Ika won the inaugural competition beating the Wellington Samoans 32-22, Wellington Suburbs 12-8 and Wellington City 37-31. At the conclusion of the tournament the Wellington Development squad was announced. The Following players from the Maori team were named: Whetu Henry, Anaru Rangi, Apanui Heemi, TJ Fermanis, Dean Brunsdon, Sheridan Rangihuna, Jason Henry, Tamati Samuels and Randall Bishop.

Waitaha plays a similar representative programme to Te Upoko O Te Ika, playing in the South Island Invitational tournament northern section against Canterbury Colts, Nelson Bays, Marlborough and Canterbury Metro.

So far the year they have played Canterbury Colts (lost 10-22) and Nelson Bays (lost 24-47). Following this game they play Marlborough, Canterbury Metro and then they have a challenge from Otago Maori for the Ratana Cup, which Canterbury has held since 2003.

The Wellington Maori Development side plays the Wairarapa-Bush B team in the curtain-raiser at 11.30 am.

Match Details:

What: Wellington Maori (Te Upoko O Te Ika) v Canterbury Maori (Waitaha) for the Tirikatene Shield
Where: Helston Park, Johnsonville
When: Saturday 6 September, kick-off 1.00 pm

Teams (subject to change):

Te Upoko O Te Ika:

1. Apa Heemi
2. Anaru Rangi
3. Whetu Henry
4. Richard Wasley
5. Ngarewa Haerewa
6. TJ Fermanis
7. Louis Karl
8. Tane McMillan-Parata
9. Sheridan Rangihuna
10. Greg Mullany
11. Ezra Fermanis
12. Jason Henry
13. Deina Morete
14. Keanu Moran
15. Randall Bishop

RESERVES:
16. Kenny Anderson
17. Ryan Nepia (prop)
18. Mike Cromie
19. Steve Aki
20. Mykel Herewini
21. Damien Madsen
22. Jason Love
23. Kewa McMillan-Parata
24. Declan Hay

Waitaha:

1. Rawiri KarenaTe Aupouri
2. Nic Hyde Ngai Tahu
3. Jake Wood Ngati Maniapoto
4. Ethan Plaskett Ngai Tahu
5. Aaron Williams Muaupoko
6. Renata Hakiwai Ngati Kahangunu
7. Billy Harmon Ngai Tahu
8. Rhys Hikuroa Ngati Maniapoto
9. Hayden O'Donnell Ngati Kuri
10. Nick Mannering Ngati Tuwharetoa
11. Ashton Tuck Ngati Kahungunu
12. Mathew Kottier Ngai Tahu
13. Hayden Annand Ngati Porou
14. Liam Timeteo Nga Puhi
15. Jarrod Mongston Ngati Porou
16. Ryan Lee Nga Puhi

RESERVES:
17. Evan Seymour Ngati Mutanga
18. Tepasu Thomas Nga Puhi
19. Sam Gammie Ngati Kahungunu
20. Maia Gibbs Ngai Tamanuhiri
21. Takeri Norton Ngai Tahu
22. Bronson Munro Nga Puhi