Rugby: Rotoiti look to continue roll

Rotoiti player Joe Royal and his side are in the hunt for a third consecutive win tomorrow.

Rotoiti are full of confidence and aiming to win their third game on the bounce this weekend, after beating two of the side's toughest opposition in previous weeks.

The in-form team take on league strugglers Opotiki away at Princess St Reserve in the Baywide Premier division.

And seventh-placed Rotoiti are on a roll after winning their second match - 27-17 on home turf, over top of the table Whakatane Marist last weekend.

They also upset the form book the game before, beating second-placed Tauranga Sports 25-18 away in a thrilling contest.

Front rower Joe Royal, who will shortly be returning from a calf strain injury, insists "a belief" has returned to the squad.

"We are all very confident at the moment. We had a bad start to the season but now everything seems to be clicking into place," he said.

"However, we have to stay on top of our game, and be realistic. It's always going to be hard away from home so we need our head in the game right on the first whistle.

"There have been huge improvements, especially in the forward line and we are now setting up the ball for our backs to make the most of. But I still think we need to put some more phases together to make sure we dominate in the game."

Committee member Willie Emery added that improved performance had come from the appointment of an extra backs coach who is volunteering at one practice a week.

"We have had two huge wins recently and I just hope we continue our form. But we must never take anything lightly and we have to play very hard on Saturday," said the lifetime member.

"It's really helped having the extra backs coach because he has given the boys confidence and belief they need in front of the try line."

Opotiki come into the game on the back of a 57-13 loss to Whakarewarewa, and have the worst defence record in the division, conceding 305 points.

"At the moment Opotiki aren't doing well, but we can't forget that neither were we until recently," said Royal.

"We have to stick to our game plan because they are desperate for a win and could hurt us if we are complacent."

Meanwhile, Whaka take on Arataki away, who are only two points off the bottom of the table.

Head coach Kopae Irihei is looking for a team performance.

"It is very easy to go into this game and think it's in the bag, but we have to take it very seriously," said Irihei.

"Arataki are looking to make a big upset and we don't know a lot about the side as it's a new hunting ground.

"So we cannot be individual because that's when the team plan goes out the window and mistakes start happening."

Tomorrow's draw:

Baywide Premier: 2.45pm kick-off

Rangataua v Greerton Marist, Te Ariki Park; Whakatane Marist v Te Puna, Rugby Park; Paroa v Mount Maunganui, Lawson Park; Tauranga Sports v Te Puke Sports, Tauranga Domain; Arataki v Whakarewarewa, Arataki Park

Opotiki v Rotoiti, Princess Street Reserve

Development:

Baywide Division 1: 1pm kick-off

Ruatoki v Kahukura, Tuhoe Park; Judea v Te Teko, Maharaia Winiata; Katikati v Marist St Michael, Moore Park; Rangiuru v Ngongotaha, Rangiuru; Waikite v Papamoa, Bellvue Rd; Poroporo bye