Waisake Salabiau
Waikato rugby’s premier grand final on Saturday was robbed of seven players who were removed due to provincial rugby commitments.
Rui Farrant sets sail to score for Hautapu in Hamilton. Photo: Matt Gould
Hamilton Marist hosted Cambridge-based Hautapu at Marist Park in the Breweries Shield final, and won 32-21.
Provincial rugby kicks off on tonight when Waikato face Auckland in the opening match.
Rep players, who took part for most club games this season, ruled out of the club final.
Hautapu lost co-captain Mitch Jacobson, winger Waisake Salabiau, loose forwards Andrew Smith and Senita Lauaki – all capped by Waikato in 2024. Hamilton Marist were missing props Mason Tupaea and Gabe Robinson from their previous weekend’s line-up.
Marist was also without Tom Martin who has been named in the Counties Manukau team.
Waikato played a pre-season game on Friday against Hawke’s Bay, while Counties Manukau had a pre-season fixture on Saturday.
Hautapu head coach Jackson Willison said clubs were given fair warning.
“We as a club, and every club, knew the situation well prior to the final. There was enough time for us to prepare for the situation that played out,” Willison said.
“It was gutting not to have the boys there but it’s not like I didn’t know. The information was there early enough for clubs to plan.
“We had to get to the final first, so we put all our eggs into the basket of winning the semi.
“That was a cool result for the club, but it was certainly a funny feeling on Monday in the lead up to the week of the finals.”
The day was club rugby’s showpiece with finals across most grades.
Other finals were played under lights on Friday and others take place this coming Saturday.
Willison said they focused on developing depth in their squad.
This was to help the club’s future and safeguarding for a final without their NPC players.
“Naturally there was a bit of frustration within the squad because we were chopping and changing the team so often,” Willison said.
“But we were trying to create depth for the likelihood of being put in that situation.”
Hautapu winger Waisake Salabiau breaks through the Morrinsville defence. Photo: Matt Gould
