Rugby: Rotoiti coach alert to Tauranga threat

Rotoiti's Logan Henry and his side are on the hunt for a repeat win from round one over Tauranga Sports tomorrow.

Rotoiti coach Dave McLean has warned his side must be prepared for a "dangerous" assault on their defence if they are to remain unbeaten in round two of the Premier 1 competition.

The team travel to take on Tauranga Sports tomorrow as they look for a repeat performance from the reverse fixture in round one - which they won 25-18.

Tauranga will be a difficult side to face, second on the table at the halfway stage of the season, however they have had a mixed start to the newly formatted competition with a win and last weekend's 44-20 loss to Mount Maunganui.

Rotoiti come into the game off the back of two dramatic draws, including last Saturday's 25-all result against Rangataua.

McLean said his side could have easily won both fixtures if it wasn't for their wayward kicking.

He believes Tauranga will offer a more challenging test than recent weeks as they "pose a lethal threat in all areas".

"Our goal kicking has let us down. In our last game we scored five tries but didn't convert any, which was very disappointing," he said.

"We can't be complacent like that against Tauranga. They are dangerous all over and we will need every point we can get against them.

"They execute everything well, so we must treasure the ball and make sure we punish them on the break.

"We have definitely stepped up our performances from round one, the backs have especially picked up their game. They look very dangerous.

"I'm confident in our set plays and we are dominant in the scrum, and the forward pack look very hungry, which could give us the result on the day."

Rotoiti are fourth on the table on five points, while Tauranga are just one point behind in sixth - level with Rangataua.

McLean is happy with the start Rotoiti have made to the second half of the season and are targeting a top-four finish, although he is wary of the competition.

"We want to be a part of the final stages however it will be such a competitive battle," he said.

"I don't think I've seen such a tight set of teams. If we want to be up there we have to show we can beat sides like Tauranga.

"We have done it before so we must take that belief and confidence into the game."

Tomorrow's games

Baywide Premier 1: Kick-off 2.45pm/Development kick-off 1pm
Tauranga Sports v Rotoiti, Tauranga Domain, Whakatane Marist v Greerton Marist, Rugby Park, Mount Maunganui v Te Puke, Blake Park, Rangataua v Te Puna, Te Ariki Park.

Baywide Premier 2: Kick-off 2.45pm/Development kick off 1pm
Opotiki v Marist St Michael's, Princess Street Reserve, Waikite v Paroa, Bellvue Road, Poroporo v Ngongotaha, Poroporo Park, Whakarewarewa v Arataki, Puarenga Park.