Coasties v Coasters

LOCKED AND LOADED: Ngati Porou East Coast lock Adaam Ross has had a strong season and will look to continue that form in the battle of the Coasts tomorrow. The Sky Blues are hosting West Coast at Whakarua Park. The visitors go into the game joint top of the table with North Otago and South Canterbury. Picture by Paul Rickard

It will be the hard versus the hardy when Ngati Porou East Coast host West Coast in Heartland Championship rugby at Ruatoria tomorrow.

And while the three-way tie at the top of the 12-team Heartland Championship table — North Otago, West Coast, South Canterbury — is far removed from bottom-of-the table NPEC, they might want to think on this . . . there is no doubt they are playing their best rugby of the last four years this season, infinitely better than when they lost 62-26 away to West Coast in 2018.

NPEC last tasted victory at Heartland level on September 28, 2013 — 22-18 against Poverty Bay.

They have yet to record a win in this year’s championship but have good reason to give their all come 2.30pm tomorrow at Enterprise Cars Whakarua Park.

A win seven days out from the local derby with Poverty Bay — a game the Coast always lift for — would juice things up.

“The Coasties (NPEC)” v” The Coasters” is a fight the home team can win.

In their 28 clashes to date, the Sky Blues have won 15 to the red and white hoops’ 13.

NPEC have won nine of 12 on home soil since a 14-13 epic in 1986 and their last win over them was another nail-biter at home — 23-16.

West Coast started the Heartland season with three wins in a row before a 36-18 loss to Wanganui at Cooks Gardens,. They showed grit to hold off North Otago 18-17 last weekend.

As well as Heartland points, the Arthur Wickes Trophy will be up for grabs. West Coast have held the 23-year-old trophy since a 13-11 win in Greymouth in 2013.

Tomorrow’s match pits the free-spirited, unpredictable style of the home team versus the no-nonsense, tough graft of the visitors.

Conditions and positions on the table aside, it will be a heavy-hitting clash.

Stakes could scarcely be higher. West Coast are out to make the Meads Cup top four playoffs and earn a home semifinal.

East Coast just want to win.

NPEC head coach Wayne Ensor believes they can do it.

He rates this year’s team under captain and No.8 Hone Haerewa the fittest of his four seasons at the helm.

Historically, energy levels late in games have been a factor but 2019 has seen fitness levels improve markedly.

“These guys know what they have to do,” said Ensor.

“I want them to back themselves on attack and play with pride.”

Sean Cuttance, in his seventh year in charge of West Coast, is well-acquainted with Whakarua Park.

“We’re looking to play with accuracy, look after the ball, build pressure and defend well against East Coast,” he said. “We’re very aware of their attacking ability, so our main focus is to stick to our structure and work hard off the ball.”

Conditions are expected to be excellent —19 degrees with a westerly breeze and a firm playing surface.

Controlling the fixture will be 29 year-old lawyer Richard Gordon of Wellington in his 21st first-class appointment.

His assistants will be Melvyn Ashford and David Newton.

NGATI POROU EAST COAST: Laman Davies, Perrin Manuel, Pera Bishop, Scott Lasenby, Adaam Ross, Mitch Crosswell, Hoani Te Moana, Hone Haerewa (c), Sam Parkes, Chris Richardson, Epeli Lotawa, Tawhao Stewart, Zac Guildford, Benny Haerewa, Verdon Bartlett. R: Lorn Boyce-Goldsmith, Daniel Knubley, Anton King, Manahi Brooking, Hamuera Baker, David Manuel, William Martin/Tipene Meihana.

WEST COAST: Tyler Kearns, Troy Tauwhare (c), Daniel Davis, Tumama Tu’ulua, Sam Liebezeit, Brad Tauwhare, Steven Soper, Amenatave Takana, Jarrod Ferguson, Jesse Pitman-Joass, Nick Muir, Sione Holani, Alex Lean, Peter Te Rakau, Sean McClure. Reserves: Trent Lawn, Daniel Foord, Logan Winter, Jasyn Van Vliet, Jared Mitchell, Joshua Tomlinson, Kahu Tamatea.