Northland coach Derren Witcombe warns against complacency

Northland coach Derren Witcombe is firmly focused on the next game rather than any thoughts of where they may end up on the Mitre 10 Cup table. Photo / Michael Cunningham

There's a buzz around the Northland Mitre 10 Cup side in 2017 after a promising start to the campaign with whispers from supporters already excited by a potential finals berth.

Just don't tell coach Derren Witcombe that.

Northland have taken two wins in their first three outings to go with a tight two-point loss to Auckland, giving the Taniwha faithful something to get excited about.

However, Witcombe recognises the season is still in the early stages and they are a long way from thinking about where they could end up on the ladder.

"We're still starting the season really, only through three games. We've dropped one but we're being really positive in every game we go to and we're really enjoying our time together," he said.

"The key is keeping our feet on the ground. We've enjoyed the win against Southland but we're already on to Waikato.

"The season is far from over. There's a lot more hard work to do before we get to where we want to.

"We can't get complacent."

Northland were highly impressive in their 44-13 win over Southland, running in six tries in a strong all-round performance.

Backline members Rene Ranger, Jack Goodhue, Jone Macilai and Solomon Alaimalo were particularly prominent throughout the contest.

Witcombe said that all started in the pack.

"That performance was a team effort," he said.

"It takes a lot of work from the tight five and the loose forwards to give the backs their opportunities with the ball so it really is all about the team.

"We've got some talent there [in the backline]. The more they have their hands on the ball the better, but we like to think of it as a team effort."

Northland are in their preparations for their home clash with Waikato on Saturday afternoon and, despite a convincing win last week, there is still a lot to work on.

"We do need to start better. It took us 20 minutes to get into the game again through our own errors so that will be our main focus this week," Witcombe said.

"We want to start the way we played the last 60 minutes. It was a pleasing victory though. It's always really tough down there in Invercargill."