It is the first time in a long time that Dave Hoskin Carriers Marist will be approaching their annual trip up to Waverley’s daunting Dallison Park with sincere confidence.

But as the form team of Tasman Tanning Premier, having won four straight games, and now only 1-2 points behind the leaders in the race for a home semifinal, this is a new world for coach Steelie Koro’s team as they face a Waverley Harvesting Borders side looking to consolidate their Top 4 spot.

“We’ve definitely got some good momentum, and we want to carry that on,” said Koro.

“At this stage, we’re just trying to keep them hungry and keep that confidence and just stay within our game-plan.

“I think it’s going to be a good clash this weekend, I’m pretty sure they would have come to watch our game [with Kaierau] on the weekend, and I guess the way the rugby is now people get to watch everyone’s game now with the videos.

“Border ain’t no five time winners for no reason, so there’s going to be no surprises in terms of when we go up there we’re going to be playing a solid, strong Border team.”

Marist’s golden run started on May 10th with a 26-24 victory over Border – the first time Marist had beaten the South Taranaki club since 2019.

The belief born from that moment saw them rattle off victories over Byford’s Readimix Taihape, Tāmata Hauhā Rātana and Wanganui Car Centre Kaierau.

Nine players have been chosen in the wider Steelform Whanganui training group, and although it could be said Marist don’t have many of the high profile stars as the other Premier clubs – this team of role players are all doing their roles to a tee.

Halfback and goal kicker Daniel Kauika has provided solid game management in front of pack with an enthusiastic front row of Finley Ocheduszko Brown, Atriane Marino and big Jonty Bird, along with in-form locks Rongomai Mclean-Wanoa and new skipper Ben O’Leary.

Their veterans also have a new lease on life – winger CJ Stowers scored a hat-trick against Kaierau, No8 and Steelform Whanganui regular Samu Kubunavanua remains a handful, and reliable blindside flanker Brett Joyes is proving a talisman as he prepares to take his fourth different WRFU club to a semifinal in as many years (Ngamatapouri, Kaierau, Rātana).

“It helps mentally if you’re doing your own role, and it takes pressure off yourself if you only have to worry about your own role too,” said Koro.

 “There’s a few niggles, as to be expected, but we’ve been quite fortunate with the depth we’ve had and the help from both Celtic and Knights.

“Gives us a bit of a chance to have a bit of a change up of personnel, a few [reserve] boys will be starting, but nothing too extreme.

 “The way we’re approaching this week, and coming weeks, every game’s still important in terms of points.”

For Border, whose forwards were very impressive in their win over Rātana and retain a strong midfield of Whanganui representatives, they have had a week’s break to think about this match where a victory would confirm their semifinal spot with a game to spare.

They will also be defending the Jake Alabaster Memorial Shield, a prize named after talented 24-year-old forward who played for both clubs before passing away in 2017.

Marist has only claimed the prize once, in that same 2019 match.

“That was mentioned tonight at training, so that’s something just a little bit extra to work harder for,” said Koro.

June 14th, 2.35pm kickoffs

Border vs Marist, Dallison Park; Kaierau vs Rātana, Country Club.

By Jared Smith