The last time the two teams faced, YMP were the better, winning 38-10. But that was six weeks ago, and the level of play across the board has significantly improved since then.
All the teams are playing some of the best rugby they have in the last few years. Quick ball and skilful backs to capitalise on the forward momentum of their big forward packs have made for some exciting rugby.
YMP have been at the forefront of this improvement. With one of the most star-studded backlines in the competition, they are hard to beat when they can service their backs with clean ball.
The weather forecast for tomorrow calls for rain, which will suit the big Ngatapa forward pack that they have become known for.
Ngatapa coach Stephen Hickey said his team had been training well in preparation for the game this weekend.
“The biggest thing with these guys (YMP) is making our first up tackles. Once they get going, they bubble away. We have to nullify them for 80 minutes.”
He expects a battle up front, with both teams having big bodies in the forwards.
“We’re dying to keep improving and have a bit of fun . . . It’s the last chance for our guys to play in front of a home crowd this season.”
YMP coach Brian Leach said he expects a tough challenge from Ngatapa, who have a “never say die” attitude.
“We’re still tracking good . . . I expect to be battling them up front in the forwards.
“We need to get our playmakers to guide our team around the paddock; the forwards did too much last week.”
Leach said his back three of fullback Andrew Tautevalu and wings Aaron McLelland and Te Peehi Farlie want the ball more often. With how dangerous they are on attack, the team should be giving them as much ball as they can, he said.
YMP will welcome Prop Siaosi Kafalava and loose forward Niko Lauti this weekend, as both players return from injury.
Lauti, who was thought to be out for the season with a suspected dislocated hip, is a massive part of the YMP forward pack and will be a welcome addition to the squad this weekend.
Although HSOB have been eliminated from playoff contention, Waikohu should not underestimate them.
HSOB have struggled this year to get consistent and regular numbers, and have suffered on the park as a result. The team have had to resort to sending the call out over social media for players in recent weeks, but they are a proud club and will always fight to the bitter end.
Their games have been close at times, but lapses in concentration allow the floodgates to open and they struggle to answer back to adversity.
HSOB coach Danny Boyle said they have had good numbers at training this week, with several of the players who stepped in to cover last weekend still available.
“We want to front up for our last two games and then have a look at where we need to go as a club in terms of rugby.”
Conversely, Waikohu have looked fantastic this season. Their defence has been a source of pride for the team, and they have allowed the fewest points so far this season, with just 90 scored against them over their first six games.
Waikohu have strengths across the park, as every player on their team has the potential to play a game-changing role.
They will be hoping that they can use their muscle up front to capitalise with their backs this weekend.
