Rugby: Rotoiti get their moment on the big stage

Rotoiti coach Wayne Ormond is a man of few words but when he does say something, he usually means it.

Take his comment at the beginning of the PGG Wrightson Baywide premiership when asked his prediction, how his team would go this season.

"With my first year [as coach], I think it's like everyone else ... try and make the top four."

Tomorrow, the 35-year-old player coach finds himself in charge of 22 players looking to bring home the coveted prize of Baywide rugby champion.

In his 65-game career for the Steamers from 1999 to 2005, he scored 11 tries and is the only Steamers captain to lift the Ranfurly Shield in triumph.

Ormond's first season as coach has well exceeded his goal of merely making the top four.

He finds himself in the enviable position of taking a team all the way to a grandfinal, where they face juggernauts and reigning champions Te Puke Sports.

Whilst he won't talk up his chances of defeating his opponents, who have only tasted defeat once so far this season, Ormond has a simple plan for tomorrow's match at Tauranga Domain.

"The way to beat these guys is to come out like we did against Tauranga last week. Discipline is huge with them having [Nick] McCashin with his kick.

"For us it's really to go out there and attack them. I know winning [last week], they will be a bit weary and maybe that will put a bit more pressure on them."

Rotoiti have gone from strength to strength this season, led on the field by No8 Jesse Acton.

They play an uncompromising brand of rugby, based around in-your-face defence and speed out wide.

Their attack is triggered by talented first five Whakataki Cunningham, who can spot a gap or galvanise the speedsters outside of him. And the midfield pairing of Beau Kiel and Josefata Tawake have certainly been lethal for coach Ormond this season.