"Of course the rain did play a big part last weekend. Hopefully the sun will come out and shine on us, but there is no certainty of that.
"It's going to be a very tough team. Rangataua won't lie down and they have a lot to play for. Every side will have to fight to stay in the top eight so I'm imagining a classic scrap between us."
Rotoiti had a difficult start to the season with just one win in five matches, however since their thrilling 25-18 away victory over second placed Tauranga Sports in April their season has gone from strength to strength.
And they have since beaten then top-of-the-table Whakatane Marist 27-12 at home and league strugglers Opotiki 29-7 away.
The away side will almost be at full strength today with just lock Jason Whareaitu out through injury and Logan Henry will look to continue his kicking form.
However Rangataua will be desperate for a result against the in-form team, coming into the game on the back of two disappointing defeats including last Saturday's 13-8 loss to other local side Whakarewarewa.
And Royal has said that Rotoiti must have a strong defence.
"I think it could be a very ugly game on the defence front. We must keep them at bay because they have pace and power in that area," he said.
"Our defending will have to be very tough and we must make them make mistakes.
"When we get into their half, we ourselves must attack with speed and be clinical. I don't think it will be a pretty win but we will take what we can get.
"I want us to play with confidence but if the weather is bad we can't be throwing the ball around. We need to keep calm and focus."
Baywide games, today:
Baywide Premier Men
(kick-off 2.45pm)
Rangataua v Rotoiti, Te Ariki Park
Greerton Marist v Whakarewarewa, Greerton Park
Whakatane Marist v Mount Maunganui, Rugby Park
Paroa v Tauranga Sports, Lawson Park
Opotiki v Te Puke Sports, Princess St Reserve
Arataki v Te Puna, Arataki Park
Baywide Division One
(kick-off 1pm)
Ruatoki v Marist St Michael's, Tuhoe Park
Katikati v Ngongotaha, Moore Park
Kahukura v Te Teko, Kuirau Park
Waikite v Rangiuru, Bellvue Road
Poroporo v Papamoa, Poroporo Park
Judea Bye
Baywide Premier Women
(Kick-off 1pm)
Today:
Arataki Women v Tauranga Women, Arataki Park
Tomorrow:
Waikite Women v Waimana Women, Bellvue Road
Rotoiti Women v Rangiuru Women, Emery Park
Tokoroa Women v Apanui Women, Tokoroa