The Wai-Coa-Bay Stallions will be looking to turn their season around when they take on the Northern Swords at Whangarei's Toll Stadium on Sunday.
The round five clash marks moving time for a side drawn from far and wide. A win would mean the Stallions stay in touch with the contenders. A loss would see them on one win from five rounds and consigned to life near the foot of the table.
Confidence will not be high after last weekend's dismantling by the Counties Manukau Stingrays at Tauranga Domain.
The visitors had too much fire power and, with a distinct edge in ruck speed, were untroubled dominating territory and possession in their 68-0 win.
Powerful winger Tomas Aoake started the rot with a well taken try down the left in the opening moments and the Stingrays never looked back.