Pikiao search for complete performance in Premier comp

PACE: Pikiao centre Cameron Walters in action against Ngongotaha earlier this season. PHOTO/FILE

Pikiao may have a semifinal spot sewn up, but coach Jason Parata believes a more complete performance is just around the corner.

With semifinals to be played in a fortnight, the game against Taneatua today is Pikiao's last chance to perfect their game as they have the bye next weekend.

Parata said the downpour of rain in the last few days would probably lead to an "ugly" game, but he did not expect his side to change their game plan.

"Not much changes for us really, we're hoping for a dry track and to put some points on them but it will be tough in the wet and being the second game on that field on the day," Parata said.

Pikiao beat Taupo 54-24 last week but Parata wanted more from his team, describing it as a flat performance.

"We leaked too many points against Taupo, we need to try and get our defence right, not be lazy.

"[During the win over] Otumoetai a couple of weeks ago we had no lazy moments, it needs to be like that every week to make it a habit."

Pikiao had 10 players named in the Bay of Plenty Lakers wider training squad this week, which Parata said would give his players a boost.

"I think it's a good thing for the club, it's a good turn around from where we were last year.

"There's a lot of boys putting their hands up from all the clubs, it's good to have that sort of number picked."

Meanwhile, Ngongotaha coach Jason Walker said he desperately wanted to see his players improve their discipline and keep their heads in the game against Pacific away.

Despite beating Taneatua 24-12 last week, he said his side knew they could have played better.

At one stage they had two men sinbinned in one play when a Taneatua player took a quick tap only to be foot-tripped by one defender and shoulder-charged by another.

"They need to come with a positive attitude and play with some discipline to the plan we set out for them.

"You can only say so much, it's up to them to get out there on the day and do what they're supposed to do.

"We play the game to enjoy it, but it's not enjoyable losing all the time," Walker said.

He said Pacific's biggest strength was their fitness.

"That's probably been our biggest downfall this season, the fitness, we seem to lose our way later in games.

"Pacific have a fair bit of speed in their backline, we need to make our tackles."