Could Excelsior be in for the same treatment tomorrow?
Old Boys caused the upset of the playoffs when they pipped the Red Devils 38-37 at home, denying the defending champions their bid for a threepeat.
Valley soared through its playoff game, beating Blues 33-10 to remain unbeaten and head straight to the Citizens Shield grand final next weekend.
However, Blues get a lifeline in North Otago’s playoff structure, and will host Old Boys tomorrow to determine who will meet Valley in the final.
It is tipped to be a big encounter for both sides, with Old Boys aiming to make back-to-back finals — and go one step further — and Blues, who have been resurgent this year, hunting for their first title since 1997.
Old Boys had a wobbly start to the season, but have come home strong on a four-game winning streak.
They will take confidence having beaten Blues 20-17 in an arm wrestle in their last encounter.
Captain Kelepi Funaki has been a monster at the scrum for Old Boys, the return of No 8 Junior Fakatoufifta has bolstered the back trio and Mone Samate has added firepower to the backline.
Blues started off the season with a hiss and a roar, but have suffered a dip in form in recent weeks.
That is no reason to count them out — they are guaranteed to get up for a big game.
They scored a lovely try early through star Matia Qiolevu, — who has been sensational all season — the last time they met Old Boys, and have shown they can be potent from broken play with their speed.
Captain Mat Duff has put in a big shift at flanker to anchor his side this season and Oli Knopp has added to the backline, run by Tyron Davies and Josh Phipps.
Kickoff is at 2.30pm.
