CLUB RUGBY:

The calculators have been out at Taranaki Rugby headquarters leading up to the final round of the CMK premier club rugby competition.

Five teams are still vying to make the play offs on July 6 with a number of different scenarios still possible to unfold on Saturday.

Clifton will host Tukapa at the Tikorangi Domain in a match that is crucial in making up the top four.  

Both sides are equal on 27 points and the winner of the match will be guaranteed to make the cut. A draw will see both sides survive for another week, while a bonus point to the loser will also ensure their qualification.

In the first round, Tukapa beat Clifton at Sanders Park but this weekend will be incredibly tight.

Old Boys are in a slightly better but still a precarious position. They must beat Inglewood at the TET Stadium with a bonus point and, in addition, need the loser of the Tukapa and Clifton match to not claim a bonus point, in order to make the top four.

However, if Inglewood beat Old Boys, then the defending champions will miss out on a top four placing – disappointing in their jubilee year.

Inglewood needed to beat Coastal last weekend in Okato to increase their chances of advancing further in the competition.  

Coastal, who are already confirmed to host a home semi-final, will want to continue their positive run of form that has produced nine victories to date. They play Stratford/Eltham on Saturday at Rahotu. The central Taranaki side, after a promising first half to the season, lost their final play off chance with a heavy defeat to Clifton last weekend.

Second placed Spotswood United have locked in a semi-final spot and a win over Southern at Yarrow Stadium will confirm home ground advantage for next weekend.

Spotswood United are going into the last round with significant momentum after scoring 40 points or more in the last three weeks.

The Hawera-based side has only won three games this year but will be looking to draw on inspiration from their first round match against Spotswood United, which they won.

For the last few years, various scenarios have determined the top four placings, making the competition one of the tightest in the country.

Article added: Thursday 27 June 2019