Whakarewarewa, pictured with player Doug Edwards in control against Rotoiti last season, look to retain the Tai Mitchell Shield and the Rotorua Banner. Photo/File
Whakarewarewa, pictured with player Doug Edwards in control against Rotoiti last season, look to retain the Tai Mitchell Shield and the Rotorua Banner. Photo/File
Rotorua club rugby rivalry doesn't get much fiercer than a Whakarewarewa-Rotoiti derby.
The two proud clubs are set to do battle in the final of the pre-season Central Bay of Plenty competition at Whaka's home ground Purenga Park on Saturday, playing for the Tai Mitchell Shield and the Rotorua Banner.
The local round features Rotorua's six best rugby clubs, who are playing each other in the lead-up to the Baywide premier competition starting on March 18.
Whaka, who hold both titles, reached the final after beating Marist St Michael's 45-7 followed up by a comfortable 48-19 win against Ngongotaha.
New head coach and former Whaka and Steamers' front rower Joe Savage said he was pleased with his side's progress in pre-season but was wary of a "formidable" Rotoiti forward pack.
"I'm very pleased with what I've seen so far and I've been trying to weave in a more professional approach at the club and bring my own experience as a player to help the guys," he said.
"There is added pressure because we've dominated the Shield and Banner over the years, and Rotoiti would love to knock us off our perch. I expect a very volatile game that could go either way.
"Rotoiti have so much firepower and they bring with them a huge reputation. We will have to take the game to their forwards and meet them head on. I feel we have a better back line with more depth so we'll have to make sure to unleash them."
The coveted Tai Mitchell Shield is up for grabs. PHOTO/ FILE
Rotoiti sailed through to the final after thumping Kahukura 38-8 and Waikite 48-5, under the leadership of new coaches William Royal and Richard Francis.
And the top local finishers in last year's Baywide premier grade are hungry for revenge after narrowly losing 36-26 in a brutal derby, which was also the round one clash in the Baywide premier rugby competition, last year.
Rotoiti director of rugby Steve Curtis said the team were hungry to get one over their "traditional foe" but faced a difficult task after losing 10 players from last year's squad.
"This is Whaka, it's extremely important because of all the history and tradition that comes with this game," he said. "I'm happy with the build up to this match and the scores don't reflect how difficult the games were.
"We're in a transition period with the club, coaches haven't settled on final combinations with players yet and we haven't got a core team because of losing so many players.
"The dynamics have changed and it means that we have to have a better all round team. We have to be strong in all positions, not just one area. We've picked up some exciting new players - including four just out of high school.
"Whaka have had the bragging rights in recent years so we'd certainly like to get one over them."
Rotoiti-Whaka derby has long been a feature event on the Rotorua rugby calendar and Vince Whitewood, the vice-president of the Central Bay Sub Union, said he expected an "epic contest".
"The rivalry between the two clubs is huge, it's like two very proud iwi going to battle," he said. "It's great to have our two top teams in the final showcasing quality rugby. This will be great preparation for the start of the season and I expect a great match."
Whaka and Rotoiti are the only Rotorua clubs in the premier competition, with the format the same as last year, but all local teams have the chance to move up after round one of the championship if they finish in the top four.
