Rugby: Point needed for semifinal spot

Northland Roller Mills first-five Kaleb Harema will be hoping to get his back line firing tomorrow in Dargaville, with the side hoping for some strong home support to help them make next weekend's semifinals of the tournament. Photo / File

Northland's Roller Mills team is hoping home support will help get them over the line tomorrow in Dargaville, as they eye a semifinal spot.

Tomorrow's noon match against Auckland West will be a replay of last year's semifinal, which saw Kaitaia's Isaiah Harding crash over to score an injury-time winner.

However, this time around the pressure isn't quite as intense with Northland requiring just one point to book themselves a spot in next weekend's semifinals.

Coach Maurice Colley was quick to play down the importance of the one point needed, saying they were going in to win and hoping for some solid home support.

"We played them pre-tournament [where Auckland West won, after fielding 30 players in what was essentially a trial] and we believe we can beat them," he explained.

"We've had good support where we've gone [with away games], so with the home game I hope there will be some extra support for us."

Form leading into this weekend's clash has been good so far, with Northland claiming two wins from three; losing 17-7 to North Harbour last weekend.

Colley felt the loss to Harbour came at a good time, reeling in any complacency ahead of the tough matches in Tauranga.

Manager Catherine Stewart shared Colley's belief that the win was achievable, agreeing the side would appreciate some home support.

"Sometimes having a loss is a powerful thing and turn into a positive, and go out there and annihilate Auckland West with hunger," she said.

"We want to keep climbing [up the rankings], so we can't go any further without winning. We feel confident we can do it with these boys as well."

Roller Mills
Northland: vs Auckland West, noon tomorrow at Dargaville's Farmlands Rugby Park.