Semifinal 1
Harbour v Dunedin
Hancock Park, 1pm
Previous matches
Played just once this season and Harbour dispatched an under-strength Dunedin 32-0 at Watson Park.
Form
Harbour has flown under the radar a little, which is odd considering it finished the round-robin in second place with 11 wins, a draw and three losses. It is also on a five-game winning streak.
Dunedin boasts a similar record (10 wins, 2 draws, 3 losses) but has stumbled during the past month or so with losses to Taieri and Harbour.
Key players
Harbour has some strong ball runners in lock Chucky Koroi and hooker Sekonaia Pole, while Ben Whale is reliable in the lineout and also carries the ball strongly. Highlanders winger Tevita Li has been named on the bench but it is unlikely to be good day for running rugby. A lot of pressure will fall on the shoulders of first five-eighth Logan Allen. He will need to turn the Dunedin pack around with some good tactical kicking.Dunedin will not stray too far from the game plan of inching the ball up one ruck at a time. Expect lock Mark Grieve-Dunn and loosie Hame Toma to have their hands on the ball a lot. Centre Leroy van Dam has had a fine season but has been named on the wing. Halfback Jonathan Ruru and prop Donald Brighouse will have an impact on the game as well.
Prediction
Too close to call. Leaning towards Harbour after watching them it Southern in the mud at Bathgate Park earlier in the season.
Semifinal 2
Southern v Kaikorai
Hancock Park, 2.30pm
Previous matches
Kaikorai inflicted Southern’s first loss this season, winning 32-29 at Bishopscourt. But the Magpies proved too good earlier this month, winning 31-7 at Bathgate Park.
Form
Southern was singled out as the early favourite and justified its billing, topping the standings with 13 wins, a draw and two losses. Kaikorai (9 wins, 1 draw, 5 losses) made a poor start to its campaign but was the form team through the middle stages before slumping in recent weeks.
Key players
Kaikorai lock Blair Tweed provides grunt and makes tackle after tackle. Danny van der Voort is a reliable performer at centre but word is Kaikorai will be bolstered by the return of classy flanker Slade McDowall, robust second five-eighth Logan Moore and Highlanders Josh Renton and Dan Pryor.
Southern’s backline always looks more formidable with Tei Walden in it, and first five-eighth Josh Ioane brings a touch of class. Powerhouse No8 Mika Mafi, Otago flanker Adam Knight and experienced lineout forward Josh Clark form an impressive trio. The front row of Craig Millar, Cameron Keech and Mike Mata’afa should give Southern dominance at scrum time.
Prediction
Kaikorai will be better than its showing at Bathgate Park two weeks ago but Southern’s massive pack should give it the edge. Southern by 10.