Kahukura sew up semifinal spot with game to spare

IN-FORM: Kahukura's Diani Walker charges up field during a game played earlier this season. PHOTO/FILE

Having already secured a semifinal spot, Kahukura are looking to add to a three-game winning streak when they play Waimana away this weekend.

Wins over Katikati, Papamoa and Rangiuru have Kahukura in fourth place, eight points clear of this weekend's opponents Waimana.

Coach Wayne Fell said he expected a "pretty niggly" and "hard-fought" game.

"We'll just focus on this game, our chances of getting a home semifinal are pretty remote.

"Our focus is pretty much on exactly what we've done in the last few weeks - kept our structures, made sure we played with a bit of intensity.

"We haven't thought too much about results, we've just tried to make sure we score four tries, if we can do that the result should take care of itself," Fell said.

He said Kahukura would need to find a balance between giving players carrying injuries a break and maintaining momentum into the semifinals.

"It's the exciting part of the season, we've spoken about how we've been in semifinals before.

"We've got a couple carrying injuries that could play easily, but we have the opportunity to maybe sit them down and give them a week's rest.

"We do have to find that balance, I think for the first time we've had a set starting 15 that has fronted for the last few weeks.

"We're a small cog with everything happening in Rotorua rugby tomorrow, but it's good for the area."