Waiapu next for cup holders Wairoa

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

RUGBY

WAIROA continue their defence of the Barry Cup tomorrow as Waiapu head south to have a crack at taking the illustrious sub-union cup home.

Waiapu had a strong club rugby season in the Ngāti Porou East Coast competition, losing in the final to Tihirau Victory Club.

Wairoa coach Lenny Ferris said they knew little about their opposition so were going in very much in the dark.

“We can only prepare our boys the best we can to our strengths and play what we want to play,” Ferris said.

He knows his team well and what they are capable of.

“We have a pretty young forward pack— probably not the biggest but they’re mobile.

“They’ll get around the park and they’ll push the limits.”

Wairoa have been going from strength to strength after their successful challenge against Waikohu and then a successful defence against a strong Uawa side which saw hundreds of people crowd into Lambton Square in Wairoa.

Ferris said they had a good mix of players and each would contribute something to the team dynamic on the day.

And he’s keen to see them continue the form from their win over Uawa.

“We had very few forced errors and our skill level was very high . . . our expectations around that area are high.

“I think it is going to be a good game.”

Waiapu, on the back of a strong club season, will be confident of upsetting the Wairoa party and their game plan will be anchored by a strong forward pack.

Kick-off tomorrow is at 2.45 at Lambton Square.