Semifinals are where the action is — Smith

It's all about the shield: YMP lock Eru Wharerau (above) and Ngatapa loosehead prop Campbell Chrisp (next picture) know what it’s like to lift the Lee Bros Shield. But it’s been a long time between drinks for both clubs, with YMP’s last win in 2010, and Ngatapa’s in 2013. Pictures by Paul Rickard

RUGBY

YMP coach Steve Smith says semifinals are bigger than finals.

He is preparing for his side’s top-four sudden-death playoff against Ngatapa at Rugby Park tomorrow (kick-off 1pm).

“In my experience, finals can be a bit boring, with teams opting for percentage football, whereas everything is on the line in a semi,” the East Coast Farm Vets YMP boss said.

“There’s no second chance in a semifinal . . . it’s all or nothing.

“You can’t be too cautious. Teams have to go for it, and you often get a better game than a final.”

That does not mean YMP are going to attack with all guns blazing.

“We know we’ve got pace on the outside, but you have to earn the right to go wide,” he said.

“We’ve been working hard on our scrummaging this week, without restricting the backs.

“In the past, Ngatapa have probably been regarded as a forward-orientated team, but this year I see them as a good all-round side.

“They’ve now got backs who are dangerous. We’ll pay them respect but, as always, our focus is on what we can control.”

The teams are evenly matched, with one win apiece in the round robin, with YMP finishing three points ahead of Larsawn Ngatapa, in second spot.

“It’s been a while since either team won the Shield (2010 for YMP and 2013 for Ngatapa) so there’s plenty of incentive to make the final,” Smith said.

Both teams will look to their most experienced players to lead the way in the forward exchanges.

Campbell Chrisp (prop), Sione Ngatu (No.8), Semisi Akana (prop) and Jason Jones (anywhere in the front row) will wear the green-and-white jersey.

YMP’s senior pros are Eru Wharerau (lock), Shayde Skudder (hooker), Willis Tamatea (blindside flanker) and Jimmy Wilson (No.8).

Both teams have unearthed some newcomers who can make valuable contributions.

For Ngatapa, lock Sam McDell and flanker Jacob Samuel have had outstanding seasons, while Mekepio Brown (No.8), Luke Bradley (lock) and Lewis Fleming (loosehead prop) have been consistent.

Oka Sanerivi (centre), Matt Raleigh (utility back) and Lyle Crudis (first five-eighth) have added their skills to a backline also boasting skipper and halfback Chris Richardson, second-five Anthony Karauria, winger Karl Macpherson and fullback Cameron Rowden.

Rowden, in particular, could be a matchwinner with his pace and willingness to take on the line.

However, in first-five Kahu Tamatea, second-five Reihana Wyllie, centre Whaimotu Craft-Chemis, fullback Brian Whaitiri-White and wingers Jayden Milner and Te Whairoa Paenga, YMP have a backline to compare with the much vaunted Waikohu backs.

Kahu Tamatea and Craft-Chemis are the jewels in the backs, while Wyllie’s hard, straight running creates gaps for his teammates. Whaitiri-White’s outstanding goalkicking has been a feature in recent weeks.

Ngatapa co-coach David McDonald said the players were looking forward to the challenge.

“Last time we met YMP we were out passioned, a bit flat and had a raft of injuries that day. In saying that we were still in game until 10 minutes to go.

“Both teams have play makers with genuine gas and like to counter attack.

“Whoever dominates the breakdowns and set piece will be able to unleash their attacking talent.”