Finals weekend: how the

The finals of the domestic competitions take place this weekend. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn takes a look at the action.

Mitre 10 Cup

Championship final

Bay of Plenty v Hawke’s Bay,

Rotorua, today, 7.35pm

This is the home team’s to lose. Fresh off a 60point beating of Manawatu, the side is firing on all cylinders. It has a solid competitive forward pack with veterans Ross Geldenhuys and Alex Ainley involved.

The backs have been running hot, none better than outside back Emoni Narawa, who scored three tries in the victory over Manawatu.

Hawke’s Bay is coming off a colossal 100minute semifinal against Otago. Hard to see how the Magpies can recover in time.

Prediction: BOP 3318

Farah Palmer Cup

Premiership final Canterbury v Auckland

Christchurch, tomorrow, 12.05pm

The redandblack machine is

going for three straight titles and after an unbeaten season, who is going to bet against it?

In the multitalented Kendra Cocksedge, Canterbury has one of the best players in the world. Auckland has to stop her to have a chance.

Good luck with that.

Auckland has done well to make the final after being relegated last year, but this is a bridge too far.

Prediction: Canterbury 3212

Meads Cup

North Otago v Wanganui Oamaru, tomorrow, 3.05pm

North Otago has won plenty of close ones and this one is surely going to be like that. Wanganui started poorly and looked no chance, losing its first three games. But it has won every game since.

The home team has a rugged forward pack. It is going to be very close.

Prediction: Wanganui 2524

Mitre 10 Cup

Premiership final Tasman v Wellington Nelson, tomorrow, 6.05pm

Tasman has almost reached the peak. It smashed Wellington way back in August.

The men from the capital have plenty of strike power and are way better than they were the start of the competition. But Tasman has too much to lose.

Prediction: Tasman 248

Farah Palmer Cup

Championship final Otago v Hawke’s Bay Dunedin, Sunday, 12.05pm

Under the roof at Forsyth Barr Stadium, the home team has seemed unstoppable. It plays a complete game, spreading it wide, which is a change from the bash and smash of many. Hawke’s Bay will be competitive and have good players in key areas.

Prediction: Otago 3423

Lochore Cup final

West Coast v South Canterbury Greymouth, Sunday, 3.05pm

Coast all the way. Home field, plenty of experience and South Canterbury’s second trip across the Alps in two weeks will be too much.

Prediction: West Coast 3412