The stage is set for an historic 100^th Gallaher Shield final as last year’s champions Manukau Rovers look to go back-to-back in the Auckland Rugby Premier Club Finals decider against Auckland University Rugby Club (Varsity) at 3pm this Saturday 22 July at Waitematā Rugby Club.

All bets were on a repeat of last year’s final until Varsity caused an upset, defeating Ponsonby Rugby Club 24 to 17 in the semi-finals to book their spot in the big dance for the first time in five years.

Manukau Rovers head into the last game of the season undefeated, triumphing over semi-final opponents Grammar TEC by a hefty 21-point margin to secure their finals post.

It will be a big occasion for the South Auckland outfit, with the club’s Premier Development side also booking a spot in the George Nicholson Trophy (Premier Development Final) versus hosts Waitematā to be played at 1pm.

A big battle is anticipated for the Arthur Bayliss Memorial Cup (Under-21 Final) as Pakuranga takes on Grammar TEC. Pakuranga enter the finals for the second time in two seasons, with a so far unbeaten record, hoping to go one better after falling agonisingly short to Marist last year.

Saturday’s will mark the 100^th Gallaher Shield final, a year after the 100^th season was played in a bizarre turn of events due to a COVID-19 induced hiatus in 2021.

Varsity head coach Jason McLean applauded his side for achieving an upset over finals favourites Ponsonby in the semi and says experience will come into play as they look to bag their first Gallaher Shield win since 2017.

“We’ve been working hard on our maul defence so that we could take that away from Ponies and we were able to come away with the chocolates. I believe we’re the first team all year to upset a side sitting above us on the table.

“There are about six or seven guys who played in the last Gallaher Shield final for Varsity and that experience - it’s the difference. Veterans like Jonny Neary, Nate Harris, Henry Saker, Lui Morel and our captain Te Ariki Te Puni had an amazing game in the semi. Cameron Church was outrageous, winning turnovers at critical times – that’s what we need next week.”

Going into the final as underdogs, McLean said suits his team and their disruptive nature.

“We love an upset, going in as underdogs suits us. It won’t take much to get the boys up. We haven’t held the shield since 2017, so it will be a huge occasion. We’re really looking forward to it and hopefully being the first to beat Manukau all season.”

Manukau Rovers head coach Doug Sanft said his team is determined to make their own mark this season and not let the pressure of going back-to-back affect preparations.

“It’s always in the back of our minds, but it’s a new year and we have to create our own memories. We know it’s hard to go back-to-back. We’ve so far gone undefeated, and this is our chance to finish it off.”

The defending champions have 16 debutants in the side this season who have yet to experience finals footy and Sanft said that eagerness to impress will only add to the occasion.

“We want to make sure they enjoy the experience, the week leading up to it. All we know is that it’s always hard to win a Gallaher Shield. There are a lot of teams in Auckland that don’t get the opportunity.”

Preparations this week will remain the same, Sanft said, with just a couple of changes to his starting line-up that took the field for the semi.

“We’re dealing with a couple of injuries, quite a bad one in the semi – a dislocated ankle – so there will be a couple of changes, but aside from that most likely it will be the same team. We’re going into the week as per normal. Varsity is Varsity – they’re a mobile team who will play for the full 80 minutes. It’s a final, so the boys don’t need any more motivation.”

Waitematā Rugby Club will host the Auckland Rugby Club Finals this Saturday 22 July, starting at 1pm with Manukau versus Waitematā in the George Nicholson Trophy (Premier Development Final) and Pakuranga versus Grammar TEC in the Arthur Bayliss Memorial Cup (Under-21 Final). The Gallaher Shield final, the pinnacle of Auckland club footy, will then kick-off at 3pm between Manukau Rovers and Varsity.

Article added: Wednesday 19 July 2023