Nelson and Waimea to meet in derby clash

It’s debatable who’ll be under the most pressure at Waimea College on Saturday.

For Nelson College, it’s another genuine opportunity to secure another five critical UC Championship competition points in their Crusaders region secondary schools rugby clash with cross-town rivals Waimea Combined Schools.

For home team Waimea Combined, they’ll clearly head into the match as firm underdogs with their immediate goal simply to avoid a heavy defeat. But given Waimea’s positive approach to playing consistently bigger and supposedly stronger opposition, they’ll undoubtedly be eyeing it as an opportunity to claim the biggest scalp of their brief history.

It would certainly be cherished.

It will only be the second time the two teams have met in an official competitive capacity after Nelson College won last season’s home encounter 35-19.

Nelson are also coming off last week’s fourth-round bye and will be well rested for the anticipated challenge Waimea will bring in front of their home supporters.

Nelson were unbeaten in their first three outings and head into Saturday’s clash on the back of a comprehensive 74-7 win over Burnside High School. Waimea also beat Burnside 33-10 in cold and windy conditions in Christchurch last Saturday to leave them with a two win-two loss record so far this season.

Should Nelson repeat their clinical first half effort against Burnside, when they led 50-0 at the break, then it could be a very tough day for the home team. But Waimea are well used to their underdog status and have already revealed the impressive backline firepower that’s characterised many of their winning efforts over the past two seasons.

They’re a young side though and with Nelson already on a winning roll, it would take a massive effort from Waimea to secure a major upset.

The Moascar Cup, currently held by Nelson, will not be at stake. the most