Bros, Uni primed for epic grand final

BROTHERS and University meet tomorrow in the Port Moresby Rugby Union season decider with Uni “Piggies” favourites to win the POMRFU premier division cup.
University will fieldvirtually the same team which blew the Brethren away 50-24 two weeks ago in the major semi-final while Brothers will have their play-making trio of Dougie Guise, Keith Puaria and Joe Kautu back on deck.
Uni captain and No.8 George Hoki said his side was not taking anything for granted despite the comfortable win a fortnight ago.
“We won’t be expecting the same Brothers to turn up  for the grand  final.
“They have their key players back and that will give them confidence,” Hoki said.
“We have prepared well this week and will start with the same team.”
The only changes to Uni’s  line up will be Pukpuk representatives Willie Rikis and Raymond Vagi  brought back in to bolster an already solid forward pack.
There is an injury concerns for hooker Westley Thomas (leg) but veteran fly-half Ella Ora said Thomas was almost certain to play.
Another key selection for Uni will be at fly-half where coach John Pangkatana is expected to slot in former rugby league star Stanley Tapend in the crucial No.10 jersey.
The stocky Engan was introduced off the bench in the last game and had an instant impact attracting defenders and nullifying Brothers’ attacking options with an astute kicking game.
More will be expected of him tomorrow.
For Brothers the news has been good with coach Petero Kilori giving his men a clean bill of health with no  forced changes to the side that defeated Wanderers 20-10 in last week’s eliminator.
Although pushed all the way by Wanderers in that match Kilori would be quietly pleased with the defensive effort from his players after giving away 34 penalties.
That fortress-like would steel any side especially heading into a grand final.
Brothers are under no illusions about the underdog tag they take into the match but will probably relish being written off.
Brothers skipper Taugau Tau and loose-forward partners Cyjoh Waingut and George Koi will need to keep Hoki and his pack contained if they are to have any chance.
After having quietly wrested the minor premiership this season it is  not a far-fetched conclusion for them to save their best for when it really matters tomorrow.
Uni and Bros have been the two most consistent sides all year and rugby fans are sure to be treated to an epic encounter.