Rugby: Finals showdown for top teams

Pictured is Wellsford reserve half back Peter Hugo making a break against Hora Hora earlier in the season. Photo / Michael Cunningham

Wellsford and Hora Hora will headline rugby's finals day at Toll Stadium at 4pm tomorrow, as the two teams battle it out for the Bayleys Southern Districts Premier Grade title.

The two teams have pretty much been inseparable all season, with Wellsford dishing out Hora Hora's worst result until late in the round robin in a 20-all draw way back in March - before the score was settled, kind of, in June when Hora Hora won 15-13.

There's no doubting the two teams have been standouts throughout the season, meaning tomorrow afternoon's final will bring with it plenty of passion.

Hora Hora coach Doug Te Puni has said all season for his side to go all the way they can only do it as a team unit, saying they will be the ones who beat themselves.

"At the end of the day we show up to play and I said to the boys right from day one they're only going to beat themselves in their head," he explained.

"If they don't show up with it on then they'll make it a hard day. But, they're switched on, you saw that [in the semifinal]."

Hora Hora were impressive in their 30-11 hammering of defending champions Mid Northern, showcasing some great handling ability in wet weather to score four tries.

"[The handling ability]impressed the hell out of me," Te Puni said.

"When you've got a Northland first-five, second, and centre, they know how to draw and pass and finish off."

However, Wellsford too were impressive in sneaking past Mid Western in their semifinal - where Wellsford won 24-21.

Te Puni said motivation wouldn't be short for Hora Hora, joking he might call it a day if they go all the way.

"It's been way too long between drinks for our club, way too long," he said.

In tomorrow's festival of rugby the Southern Districts Premier Reserve Grade final kicks off at 12pm, the division two final at 2pm.

The premier reserve grade sees defending champions Kamo take on the table toping Western Sharks.

In Kamo's semifinal, they overcame a strong Mid Northern side late in the second half 27-26 while the Sharks beat Wellsford 22-15.

Meanwhile in the division two final, Tomarata will take on Mangakahia.

*Premier reserve final, 12pm: Kamo vs Western Sharks.
*Division two final, 2pm: Tomarata vs Mangakahia.
*Premier final, 4pm: Hora Hora vs Wellsford.