Halfback and vice-captain Mario Counsell supplies Reeves, Jesse Fleming, Kelvin Smith, Tawhao Stewart, Kirwan Ratapu and Matt Ruru with quick and accurate ball to launch attacks.
Making YMP’s task even more difficult is the ability of Reeves, Fleming, Smith and Stewart to continually switch positions without looking out of place.
Stewart could be the dark horse this season. He wore the No.15 jersey against Ngatapa but popped up at centre on occasions and carved huge holes with his pace and strength in fending off tacklers.
YMP coach Steve Smith, whose side go into the game on the back of a 69-3 thumping of Tapuae, says his side will not be focusing on individuals.
“There’s no doubt Ethine is a very good player, as are the other backs, but they would be the first to tell you it all starts up front.
“Waikohu have a very good pack, which has been boosted by the signing of Ken Houkamau (former Pirates and Bay No.8). He brings a lot of experience and go-forward. But again, it’s not about individuals. They have forwards who have been playing together for a few years now.
“They showed what they could do last year (runners-up to HSOB) and you have to respect them.”
While happy with last weekend’s win, Waikohu coach Jason Tuapawa said there were areas that needed work.
“But we’ll keep that to ourselves.”
YMP’s romp against Tapuae last week is not ideal preparation for taking on Waikohu at home but Smith said he was pleased with the intensity his players showed in training this week.
“The boys know it is going to be a battle up front and trained accordingly,” said Smith. “We came out of the Tapuae game with no injuries and we have Reihana Wyllie (captain and midfielder) — who missed that game — available subject to no further knocks to his knee. We’ve also got Fawn White and Mekepoi Brown (both forwards) back training and that will give us depth on the bench.”
White and Brown made the Bay team last year and have huge potential.
Their return will put the pressure to perform on locks Eru Wharerau and Luke Bradley and loose forwards Willis Tamatea, Dominique Wilson and Jimmy Wilson.
Dominique, usually a midfield back, wore the No.6 jersey against Tapuae and was man of the match.
“Dom loves to get the ball in hand and run hard at the opposition,” said Smith.
“He’s still learning the lines a flanker needs to run but he’s a quick learner.”
Smith will also look for openside flanker Tamatea to lead from the front.
Senior player Tamatea can cover lock or flanker and never seems to play a bad game. He could have a big say in the outcome.
