Rugby final to be replayed

By Haiveta Kivia

THE Morobe Rugby Union grand final between NGI Hornibrook Harlequins and Consort Express Royals which ended in nil-all draw last week will be replayed tomorrow.

The match to be played at SCRUM field, the spiritual home of rugby union in Lae and Morobe province, is set for another crunching game of rugby.

Both sides have vowed that they will get the better of the other and it will be only proven on the field of play and after 80 minutes of uncompromising rugby.

Royals forward Elias Labi said they needed to go out and play tough from the opening minutes right to full time.
Labi said he and captain Winston Nengipa have made a pact to lift their games and lead their young charges into the foray and come out victors.

They will have the support of seasoned prop Jacob Labi, inside centre Karo Kauna, hooker Paul Roana and wing Lloyd Bureng to lead their young charges.

Most Royals players for the exception of those named, played their first grand final last week and held their fort against the much more experienced Harlequins side.

Harlequins have a much heavier and mobile pack but they were found wanting in defence and played flat in attack.

Fullback Mete Roboam attacked deep in his territory and made incisions into the Royals defence and will be a threat. Inside centre Lua Wani with his bullocking runs will be effective if he can off load rather than dying with the ball in tackles.

Harlequins also failed to string together attacking moves from set plays and if they correct this aspect of their game they will some effect on the Royals defence.

Young Royals fly-half Joel Wimbi’s kicking game will be crucial and he also has to cut the mistake of clearing kicks to the open field and tuck it behind the attacking pack to nullify quick attacking raids by the opposition.

Supremacy shown by either will determine the outcome as Harlequins boast of Ian Gore, Michael Muriki, Billy Ben, Vincent Peter, John Milba, Eddie Meclay, Billy Ben and Clifford Wali all representative players up against the Labis- 

Elias and Jacob, Nengipa and will have slight edge over Royals pack.

But it will all boil down to the side that plays full 80 minutes and grab all the opportunities to score points whether it may be a try and conversion or penalty goals.