Previous Cup winners survive scare in U85kg Cup

Under-85kg National Club Cup 2024 winners Pakuranga Panthers survived a scare from Eden Lizards, fighting back with late tries for a 17-point win to progress in the competition.

Just 15 sides remain in contention for the U85kg National Club Cup after the weekend’s second round action.

Starting with the largest field ever assembled, 52 teams, the top 15 squads from across Aotearoa remain as we edge ever closer to the grand Final.

The final is slated to be played as part of a double header alongside the North Harbour versus Northland Hilux NPC fixture at North Harbour Stadium on 6 September.

Notable round two highlights included:

• Waiuku Bulldogs defeated Northcote 47-31, scoring seven tries to four in the process. Number 8 Brock Wheatley bagged a hattrick, while lock Brent Richards nailed six conversions.
• Plimmerton rolled Eastbourne 54-5, dotting down nine times. Fullback Ryan Carter scored three times, with Siaosi Siupolu adding two of his own.
• Silverdale defeated Morrinsville after the hooter in their match at Campbell Park, as hooker Logan Jones scored in the 85th minute to win the match 24-19.
• The Oxford Bobby Calves defeated high-flying Lincoln University 47-27. Alex Kirkland nailed six conversions and dotted down once for a total contribution of 17 points for the North Cantabrians.

Round Three fixtures:

• Grammar TEC v Pakuranga Panthers
• New Brighton U85s Speedys v Darfield Ducks
• Pōneke Wanderers v Plimmerton
• Oxford Bobby Calves v High School Old Boys
• Ponsonby Hustlers v Silverdale Procut Truffle Pigs
• Tukapa Bantams v Tawa Ducks
• Karaka Razzlers v College Rifles Raiders

Quarter Finals:

• Waiuku Bulldogs v TBC

The draw with all game details and venues will be uploaded into Rugby Xplorer. The 2026 Road to the Final webpage will be updated as results are known, here: Under 85kg Club Cup Draw | NZ Rugby.