Old Boys-University Set To Fire In 2004

The 2004 Wellington Club Rugby season kicks off this Saturday April 3rd. Twelve clubs will again do battle for the Swindale Shield, before the top eight finishing teams vie for the coveted Jubilee Cup, culminating in the final on Sunday August 16.

With representative coach John Plumtree’s endorsement of the strength of the competition last season – and his backing up of those sentiments, by picking several players in the Wellington Lions as a direct result of their club rugby form – the opportunities for young players to shine for their clubs and get noticed are abundant in 2004. Conrad Smith (Old-Boys University), Piri Weepu (Hutt Old Boys–Marist), Cory Jane (Upper Hutt), Iva Motusaga (Poneke), Jimmy Gopperth and Ross Filipo (both Petone) are all examples who successfully made the step up in 2003.

Player transfers are relatively light this year compared to previous seasons. Gopperth is leaving Petone for Old Boys–University (OBU), while OBU utility back Steve McColl will play for Poneke. OBU will also welcome back Shannon Paku, returning from a stint in Auckland.

Indeed it is the Old Boys–University side that should be the team to beat this season. They have talent to burn and are ripe to lift either the Swindale Shield or the Jubilee Cup. They have genuine speed out wide. Backs Tim Molennar, Scott Ireland and Vince Curtin scored 22 tries between them last year and when Gopperth, Smith, Paku and Jason Spice join them they promise to be lethal. Add in strong loose forwards, led by captain Michael Barnes, and Ross Kennedy and Luke Andrews returning to the forwards, and the students look strong.

Hot on their heels will be defending Swindale Shield champions Northern United. Repeat success will be just as well received for the best-supported club. A bevy of young talent calls Porirua Park home and they will have the confidence to do it again. It goes without saying that 2003 Jubilee Cup finalists Poneke and Marist-St. Pat’s will feature come the business end. Both clubs are superbly balanced and their depth is unrivalled. Oriental-Rongotai were disappointing last season when they dropped off the pace too early. At full-strength, spearheaded by All Black midfielder Ma’a Nonu and Roy Kinikinilau, they can beat anyone though.

Avalon played attractive rugby last season and were genuine contenders throughout and must again be considered a real chance to go close. They possess one of the best first-five eighths in the competition in Darren Kapene, and will welcome the inspirational Waldrom brothers, Thomas and Scott possibly back mid-season. Their neighbours Upper Hutt are sure to cause problems to their more fancied rivals, especially at home, while Petone should complete the top eight.