Avatiu Eels confident ahead of knockout clash with TKV Reds

Avatiu Eels will head into this semi-final knockout match with plenty of confidence. CISNOC/26091806

Eels will face the Takuvaine Reds (TKV) in the premier men’s knockout match while Tupapa Panthers will face the Arorangi Bears in the second match.

Cook Islands Rugby Union development manager Ben Koteka says the Eels and TKV have met twice this year with one win each.

The TKV REDS won the first match 39 to 34 and then last week in the return match, the Eels reversed the earlier result with a comprehensive 53 to 21 win.

“This year we have seen a tight and unpredictable 4 team competition, TKV Reds and the normally dominant Avatiu Eels, have had their weekly struggles too, winning one week, only to falter the next,” Koteka said.

He said that based on current form and after last week's 53 to 21 performance the Eels will head into this Semi Final knockout match with plenty of confidence and belief knowing that staying disciplined both on and off the ball and sticking to their defensive and offensive systems will lead to a good outcome.

Looking at the TKV Reds, he said their strength has been based around a dominant scrum led by powerful forwards Alowesi Vulailai and Petero Naivalu, supported by their mercurial point scoring first 5/8 Viiga Reupena, strong running midfielder Joshua Koroi and fleet-footed fullback Joni Setareki.

Key players for the Eels would be loose forwards Josh Motu, multi-skilled Fale Sooialo, hard-hitting Fana Fotofili and their speedy backs - fullback Nathan Nabou and midfielder Tama Nicholas.

In the second match between Panthers and Bears, Koteka said the two teams have met twice this year with the Panthers winning both matches; 31 to 22 and last week by 20 points to 12.

He said that although the Panthers have won both matches, it has been an arm-wrestle to say the least, with “The Panthers' X-factor players stepping up close to the finish line to bring their team home.”

“This sets up an interesting battle this Saturday afternoon at Aretere Park - Avatiu, between the favoured and current champion Panthers playing against an at times inconsistent but potentially strong Bears outfit.”

He said both teams would rely heavily on their leadership group to navigate this pressure match.

For the Bears - watch out for loose forward Rob Heather, skilled halfback Basil Matapo and the youth & enthusiasm of loose forwards Ben Sokia and Samu Ritawa.

For wisdom and active guidance the Panthers will lean on; co-captains loose forward Thomas Toa and inside centre Jason Potoru, fleet-footed midfielder Peter Lagilagi - who scored an awesome 90 metre solo try last week, and impressive 19 year old number 8 TJ Willie.

“Only the hungry and desperate will survive, so be at Aretere Park - Avatiu this Saturday to see which teams will book their ticket to the 'big dance' in next week's Grand Finals,” Koteka added.

Fixture: Aretere Park - Avatiu

- 11.30am: Rarotonga Super Club 15s, Week 7 [of 8]

- 11.30am: RUCKSTARS - Under 6/8/10 Rippa Rugby games

1.45pm: Maine Tueporo Youth

2.30pm: Avatiu EELS v Takuvaine 'TKV' REDS

- 4pm: Tupapa Panthers V Arorangi Bears