Is that time of the year, semi-finals kick off across all grades today with the best teams from each division in action. In the StoreLocal Hospital Cup, the major semi-final will see minor premiers Wests take on University of Queensland at Yoku Road this afternoon, Saturday 3 September, while in the minor semi-final, Brothers will take on GPS on Sunday at Sci-Fleet Stadium.
Let’s take a look at how both games are shaping up.
Wests have named a strong line-up for the match that will test the seasoned finals veterans in University.
Upfront, the frontrow combination of props Latu Talakai and Cobous Eloff, as well as hooker Ethan Dobbins who has been in outstanding form throughout 2022, is an imposing beast. Not to mention the combination of the Connor Anderson and Harry Higgins in the backrow, this duo is sure to cause headaches at the breakdown.
In the backs, Moses Sorovi will partner with Mason Gordon rather than older brother Carter, who is unavailable due to injury, while the back three of Filipo Daugunu, Ben Navosailagi and Cooper Whiteside are dangerous to say the least.
University have their own strike weapons, in the backrow they have essentially named three openside flankers in Pat Morrey, Sam Wallis and Conor Mitchell. All three aren’t afraid to through themselves into a ruck, but they’re also dangerous with the ball in hand, creating plenty of opportunities for the UQ backs through half breaks and off-loads.
Kalani Thomas was hugely influential for the Heavies in last year’s finals series and he will again start at halfback, forming a halves pairing with Brad Twidale.
TJ Siakisini, UQ’s usual bench strike weapon will start at inside centre, while the back three of Kye Oates, Mac Grealy and Jock Campbell boast plenty of attacking flair.
This match has the potential to be a show piece of attacking Rugby given the two sides named, but may be hindered by the wet track at GPS with wet weather having settled in on Friday night.
The beauty of the major semi-final is we will see both these teams in action once again after this weekend.
One of the key match-ups will be the battle of the scrum-halves, with former Red Moses Sorovi going toe-to-toe with current Red Kalani Thomas – keep an eye on these two.
This match kicks off at 3:10pm at GPS Rugby Club on Saturday, and will be broadcast live on free-to-air television via 9Gem as well as Stan Sport.
Two of the oldest clubs in Australian Rugby will meet in this year’s minor semi-final, as Brothers and GPS go head-to-head.
The two clubs head into the match after different finishes to the season. Brothers recorded impressive wins over Bond and Sunnybank to round out their year, while GPS were handed a significant loss at the hands of the Red Heavies in Round 18.
Brothers have welcomed back a host of their Reds contingent for the back end of the season, with Harry Hoopert, Ryan Smith, Harry Wilson, James O’Connor, Lawson Creighton and recent Western Force recruit Hamish Stewart all named in the match-day 23.
The Brethren aren’t without their losses though, with flanker Nick Cross, who has been a standout throughout the season, ruled out of the semi-final through injury. If Brothers make it through, hopefully he will be back for the remainder of the finals.
GPS are expecting a number of their star recruits back in action as well. While Tauina Taii Tualima, Emosi Tuqiri, Floyd Aubrey and Chris Kuridrani have all been impressive in recent weeks, Rebels scrumhalf James Tuttle and Fijian Drua playmaker Teti Tela are also due to make an appearance in the GPS line-up this weekend.
The Gallopers haven’t quite clicked in the final few rounds of the season, but their line-up has the potential to produce quality Rugby and the Gallopers have plenty of finals experience in recent years to build upon.
One of the key match-ups will be at number 8, Harry Wilson has proven himself at club, state and Test level, but he will be coming up against the heart-and-soul of GPS Rugby in Michael Richards, who won’t back down from the challenge.
This match will kick-off at 3:05pm at Wests Rugby Club on Sunday, and will be broadcast live via Stan Sport.
