OBU And Norths Set To Feature In Jubilee Cup

Old Boys-University have completed a remarkable transformation throughout the recently completed Swindale Shield. In less than half a season of premier rugby the previously struggling students have gone from wooden spooners to Jubilee Cup contenders after emerging from the pack to finish third.

OBU made a steady progression up the points table in the first round, climbing from dead last after three rounds to third. Losing their first three games to Upper Hutt, Petone and Marist St. Pats they then broke a 15-game losing streak going back to the 2004 Jubilee Cup, by trouncing Western Suburbs 52-12. This was followed by a 17-24 loss to Hutt Old Boys Marist in a match that they were unlucky not to draw, before storming home with a draw and five straight wins including a 27-21 victory over Norths in round nine.

Meanwhile, Norths will be hoping to make their third Jubilee Cup final in a row. With depth and experience stacked right throughout their squad Norths are the benchmark club in Wellington at the moment. With easily the best attacking and defensive records so far this year, Norths head into the Cup round as favourites to become the first side to achieve the elusive Swindale Shield-Jubilee Cup double in seven seasons. Only four teams have won the first round title and then gone on to win the Jubilee Cup in the same season in the last 15 years. Petone achieved it in 1992, while MSP did it in 1994, 1995 and again in 1999.

Expect the traditional big guns to try and spoil Norths' party. Poneke, Petone and MSP have won 19 of the previous 27 titles between them and are sure to feature come semi-finals time in August. Of the trio, Poneke faded to finish fifth after a seven game mid-season winning streak, with a lack of try scoring bonus points letting them down. Conversely, Petone's seventh place finish reflected their leaky defence, an area the Villagers will need to improve on if they are to defend their title. After three straight wins at the end MSP righted a rocky Shield campaign and enter the Cup round buoyant, and can never be discounted.

HOBM will be hoping to continue their stellar season, where they equalled Norths with nine wins and two losses. Despite Norths winning their round ten showdown 26-24, only two bonus points separated the two at the end after they shared the top two spots throughout the eleven weeks. The other contenders Avalon and Tawa are both capable of progressing further this year. Avalon's Shield season unfolded with six home wins and five away losses, so winning away from fortress Fraser Park will be a priority. If Tawa have the services of their full complement of players they will be dangerous.

Look out for a fast and furious first round, with all teams eager to kick-start the Cup with opening wins. Round one matches see Norths play Avalon at Porirua Park, Petone play MSP at the Petone Recreation Ground, Hutt Old Boys Marist against Poneke at the Hutt Recreation Ground and OBU hosting Tawa at the Prime Finance Basin Reserve.