The Eels struggled early against University, but eventually brushed aside the challenge and went on to record a comfortable 43-20 playoff victory at Peter Johnstone Park.
The defending champions are on track to record an unbeaten season and collect a third consecutive banner unless Dunedin can find a way around that wonderfully organised defence at Peter Johnstone tomorrow.
The semifinal is being played at the earlier time of 1pm to help accommodate the other big game on in the city — the All Blacks play Ireland at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
The other semifinal between Kaikorai and Southern at Bishopscourt is also being staged at the earlier time of 2pm.
That should be a cracking game. They both beat higher ranked opponents to make it through to the semifinals.
Southern upset Dunedin 41-32 at Kettle Park. Dunedin made a lot of errors and fell behind 41-17. It scored three late tries to close the gap.
But despite the loss, Dunedin has progressed through to the semifinals courtesy of being the highest-ranked loser.
Sharks loosie Josh Retter is a real go-getter (sorry about that) and one of the form players in the competition.
But Dunedin will be missing some key personnel.
Hooker Harry Press is unavailable, veteran lock Mark Grieve-Dunn has returned from retirement to answer an SOS in the second row.
Openside Oliver Griffin went overseas a few weeks back.
Tomas Hanham-Carter is out with a back injury, which will leave Highlanders development player Ajay Faleafaga shouldering goal-kicking responsibilities.
Veteran loosie Hame Toma can be relied on to get the ball across the gain line, and winger Oscar Schmidt-Uili is rapid and will present some defensive challenges.
But Taieri’s defence has been exceptional. In nine games the Eels have conceded just 120 points.
Veteran outside back Mitchell Scott has slotted into centre this year and has been a key part of that defensive effort. He has also been lethal on attack.
He has been Taieri’s best player this season and there is some stiff competition.
Veteran lock Brodie Hume was influential in the win against University, and the loose forward trio of Jesse Hutton, Leroy Ferguson and Sam Fischli have all the bases covered.
Experienced fullback Josh Casey might have lost some pace but he still has an eye for a gap and reads the game nicely.
Kaikorai needed a late penalty to overcome Harbour at Watson Park and secure a home berth for its semi against Southern.
Both sides have had rollercoaster seasons and you would be brave to pick a result, although Kaikorai beat Southern 33-13 at Bathgate Park last month, which is a good omen for the Demons.
