YMP have the upper hand over OBM by way of points differential, and the other four placings are closely grouped.
Pirates are sixth on the table and have nothing to lose and everything to gain this weekend, and it could make them dangerous.
“The boys are a bit nervous, but more excited, and can’t wait for Saturday,” Pirates coach Anthony Kiwara said.
“We know it’s going to be one of our toughest games so far, but our boys are eager and ready to take that challenge head on.
“We’ve been improving each week and developing as a team. We just want to play our game, play as a team, control our discipline and maintain it for the full 80 minutes.”
YMP have shown impressive form this season, seemingly building on their success from last year.
“Pirates are probably the hardest team to try to come up with a game plan for,” YMP coach Kahu Tamatea said.
“They just love to let the ball fly and they can offload from anywhere and from anyone, so we have to be sharp.
“This week, we have kept it simple and just worked on what we can control — being accurate, getting phases under our belt and continuing to gel as a team.
“Once again we have made changes to give other guys a chance.”
Ngatapa are tied with Waikohu on six points. That could change after this weekend as they both have tough games.
Ngatapa co-coach Kohi Waihi said his players were confident and wary at the same time.
“OBM are tracking very well,” he said.
Some changes to the squad have moved first five-eighth Ricardo Patricio to second-five.
“We were thinking about depth,” Waihi said.
“We wanted to get the ball to the outside and we see Ricardo getting the ball to the wingers to give them an opportunity to attack.”
OBM couldn’t have asked for a better start. They’ve won their first three games and secured maximum points by way of bonus-point tries.
OBM coach Dillon Dolman-Tuhou has made changes in the line-up. With an eye to experience in the forwards, he has picked Justin Allen to start at prop and moves captain Rikki Terekia from No.8 back to hooker.
“We are looking to string together a full 80 minutes in this game,” he said.
“We perform well in patches, so if we can play well for 80 minutes it will be great. Other than that, I’m looking for our backs to step up again.”
After last weekend’s win against Pirates, HSOB take the fifth position and could climb higher should they defeat Waikohu and Ngatapa cop a loss.
“We’re looking pretty good,” HSOB coach Wayne Ensor said.
“We had a good week at training but we haven’t got our heads in the clouds as we were lucky to get away with that last weekend.
“The team are definitely in a good frame of mind and are keen to go out there and test themselves against one of the better teams over the past few years.”
They are looking to build on last week and stick to their style of play.
“We want to try what we have been working on and see if it works against one of the top teams.
“We are pretty confident that we aren’t going to go out there just to make up the numbers. We want to put on a good show and give them something to think about at least.”
Waikohu haven’t had the strongest start to the season. They have had changes within the club. Some players have been unavailable and others have moved on. Yet they still go out and give it their all, even after the events of Cyclone Gabrielle.
“We’re battling a lot of injuries,” Waikohu player-coach Tane McGuire said.
“But the boys are positive and look forward to bouncing back this week.”
YMP: Nehe Papuni, Shayde Skudder (c), Hohepa Hakopa, Liam Babbington-Ngerengere, Rocky Monika, Shyann Wyllie (50th cap), Isaiah Leach, Stuart Leach, Ra Broughton, Kelvin Smith, Stephen Blake, Taine Aupouri, Mitch Purvis, Te Peehi Fairlie, Andrew Tauatevalu.
RESERVES: Hayze Nepia, Waiti Tamatea, Willis Tamatea, Jess Kapene, Silas Brown, Kayleb Te Whare, Whaimotu Craft-Chemis.
PIRATES: Mango Halaifonua, Moui Paongo, Toshio Paongo, Netani Seruwaqa, Pat Kaliopasi, Viliami Mosaati, Paula Tatafu, Siope Piukana, Fereti Paulo, Ale Paulo, Mosese Bulicakau, Alifereti Senivau, Suliano Rausavanua, Siope Fakahokotau, Isaiah Lemaua.
RESERVES: Josiah Keiaho, Tevita Kavai, Kelepi Tamale, Moeaki Mosaati, Peni Fangataa, Andrew Tau, Suliano Kurusiga.
OBM: Justin Allen, Rikki Terekia (c), Myles Lardelli-Muir, Jacob Cook, Harawira Kahukura, Blake Beard, Keanu Taumata, Jordan Kingi, Jordan Christie, Te Aho Morice, Solomoni Rosari, George Hooper. Moses Christie, Joe Tikicdre, Braedyn Grant.
RESERVES: Ngahiwi Manuel, Lance Dickson, Duran Smith, Jayme Barnett, Atunaisa Rokotuiwei, Pita Vonowale, Brian Whaitiri-White.
NGATAPA: Campbell Chrisp, Ihaia Kerr, Jacob Storey, Knox Ranitu, Dan Law (c), Peter Ifopo, Ethan Angitoa, Khian westrup, Benito Barry, Johnny Millar, Nashewen Mouton, Ricardo Patricio, Filimone Drua, manaia Ngata, Guy Johnson.
RESERVES: Rawiri Kerehoma-Hoerara, Sam Hudson, Marino Tipiwai-Chambers, Jack Twigley, James Law, Archie Harding, Kairos Brooking-McClutchie.
HSOB: Jacob Hatton, Jody Tuhaka, Salesi Niuvao, Eben Boyder, Nelson Moran, Fletcher Scammell (c), Marshall Jones, Von Huata, George Halley, Scott Tallott, Jokatama Qio, Rylan Tuwairua-Brown, Korey Love, Cohen Loffler, Matthew Proffit.
RESERVES: Rupeni Seruitakana, Russell Burns, Kini Raimou, Keegan Jooste, Alex Jerram, Bryan Howard, Ulaiasi Seru.
WAIKOHU: Geoff Pari, Leonard Lloyd, Tristen Morten, Matekairoa McGuire, Kimihia Saddler, Willie Bolingford, Kupu Lloyd, Adrian Wyrill, Hamuera Moana, Tane McGuire, KC Wilson, Jacob Leaf, Ethine Reeves, Latrell Daveren, Roy Horo.
RESERVES: Tulsa Kaui, Sonny Campbell, James Rutene, Shannon Cameron, Te Pirihi Puke-Riki, Punch Noanoa, TBC.
