Rugby showdown

TRADITIONAL rivals Defence and University meet in Port Moresby’s Capital Rugby Union grand final on Saturday.
The final is the competition’s first after a one-year hiatus as the Pacific Games preparations took priority over most fields in the city in 2014 and 2015.
Both sides have won the Port Moresby Rugby Union title over the years of their existence, stretching back to pre-Independence times, but the weekend’s finale is the first time the clubs meet in a CRU premier grade decider, with Defence having won the 2013 title and making the grand final the year before.
The venue for the final was initially scheduled for the Sir John Guise Stadium but the change to the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium in Konedobu, has been necessitated because of the commencement of upgrading work on the SJGS field for November’s Fifa Under-20 Women’s World Cup.
CRU president Jacob Anga said yesterday that despite having a shortened season after the year-long break, the competitionwas of good quality and the weekend’s finals were a culmination of the efforts of all involved in the competition from clubs, administrator, players, officials and fans.
The final is scheduled for 3pm following the lower grades and women’s deciders.
Fittingly, Defence and University have earned their final berths being the two most consistent sides in the competition.
Both teams boast powerful forward packs with a war of attrition likely to decide which team has the upper hand in territory, possession and on the scoreboard.
University coach John Pangkatana in an earlier interview told The National that the University Piggies have an edge in experienced players, who know how to handle the pressure of finals rugby.
Piggies Raymond Vagi said his side had enjoyed a good season and was peaking at the right time.
“We’re looking forward to a tough final as always against the Defence boys on Saturday,” Vagi said.
Defence captain Kirarock Ngaffin said in terms of preparations his side had not fully recovered from their bruising win over the brethren last Sunday but they had been down that road once before and were not worried.
“The team’s looking good and everyone is excited, seeing as most of the boys played in the last grand final in 2014,” Ngaffin said
Defence are on course to defend their title given their consistent form over the season, but the gutsy comeback victory by University last week shows that they can punish any team that cannot contain their pack in the second half.
Meanwhile, Defence’s forwards will be up to the task, with their clinical backline able to capitalise on any opportunities that present.