Fiji-born and former Marist Brothers High School student Manasa Mataele will start on the wing for Canterbury in the NPC final tomorrow, alongside fellow Fijian and utility back Jone Rova who will be on the bench.
It’s a southern showdown in Christchurch as Canterbury hosts Otago in what promises to be a classic final. Both teams have impressed this season.
Otago is aiming for an NPC and Ranfurly Shield double after they wrestled the Log o’ Wood from Canterbury last month. The semi-finals saw dominant performances from both sides—Otago thrashed Bay of Plenty 41-17 last Friday, while Canterbury cruised past Hawke’s Bay 43-19 the next day.
Former Swire Shipping Fijian Drua flanker Joseva Tamani will feature off the bench for Otago, while Fiji-born New Zealand Sevens rep Jona Nareki starts on the wing. While much focus has been on Otago’s long wait for silverware, Canterbury is also returning to the final for the first time since 2018.
That match marked their 10th appearance in 11 years—2018 being the only one they lost.
The final will kick-off at 3.05pm tomorrow at the Apollo Projects Stadium in Christchurch. Mika
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