The Tasman Makos are without a single competition point in 2011 and will take on the high-flying Magpies at McLean Park tonight, in what is a must-win game if they are to climb off the bottom of the ITM Cup ladder.
After being hammered by Waikato 35-6 in Hamilton on Friday,
the Makos have had such a short turnaround they haven't even gone home. Tonight marks their fourth game on the road already this season in what is a demanding schedule for the men from the top of the south.
Sounding somewhat dejected, Tasman coach Kieran Keane is well aware of the harsh reality his side faces in Napier.
"Hawke's Bay are the hot favourites and they deserve to be."
He said Tasman have trained with a strong focus on improving their woeful second-half performances and shaky set pieces. "Our set piece has been under the pump. We've hung our front row out to dry on occasions."
Hawke's Bay on the other hand sit atop the championship standings with three wins from four matches and are undefeated at home.
Keane will be in familiar surroundings tonight having coached the Magpies in 2002-04, but is firmly placed on the opposing bench for this encounter. "I enjoyed every moment with Hawke's Bay - I'd love my team to have a win."
Realistically though, barring a massive upset, expect the Magpies to walk all over the hapless Makos in Napier tonight.
