Rugby: Scene set for Whakarewarewa and Rotoiti derby thriller

Rotoiti's Matt Hanson makes a run against Whakarewarewa when they met in round one. Photo / File

Lights, camera, action. The stage is set for what should be another epic encounter between local rivals Whakarewarewa and Rotoiti.

Premier 1 competition points, the Tai Mitchell Shield and local bragging rights will be on the line when the two sides meet at Puarenga Park tomorrow.Rotoiti have held the Tai Mitchell Shield since taking it from Whakarewarewa in May last year, but their run of dominance may be under threat with the men in red and black finding form in recent weeks.

With one Premier 1 match played, Rotoiti and Whakarewarewa sit in third and fourth respectively. Rotoiti achieved a bonus point 34-22 win over Tauranga Sports last weekend, while Whakarewarewa ended Greerton's seven-game winning streak with a 24-21 victory.

Whakarewarewa coach Boxer Smith said he wanted his forwards to deliver a strong performance and provide a positive platform for the backline.

"Rotoiti have quite a good forward pack, so our focus will be on matching them and testing ourselves. If we succeed and get a bit of dominance in our forwards, we can set up for our backline, as our backline seems to be our strength at the moment.

"We are looking at controlling the one percenters and making sure our boys are mentally and physically prepared for this weekend. Discipline is going to be a huge thing and that cost us a little bit last time. If we just remain in control and play the game as it should be, we should do well.

"It will be a big occasion with a huge crowd being a local derby. More importantly we are after the points on offer and the Tai Mitchell Shield," Smith said.

Rotoiti coach Richard Francis said his players needed to focus on their jobs.

"It is always hard going to Whakarewarewa and this weekend will be no different. We need to focus on getting our job done, block out the crowd and don't get caught up in the hype."

Francis acknowledged his side had been consistent but said work still needed to be done. "We will be sticking to the same structure as last week. We need to make sure we stick to our game plan and exploit the weaknesses of our opposition.

"Our set piece has been going well and this weekend we will be focusing on our defence. There are a couple of good ball runners in the backs for Whakarewarewa and a few talented players out wide - we need to keep a good defensive line to hold them at bay."

Farmlands Co-operative Baywide Club Rugby Draw

Farmlands Co-operative Baywide Premier 1
Saturday
Premier kickoff: 2.45pm
Development Kick-off: 1pm
Te Puna v Greerton Marist at Maramatanga Park
Tauranga Sports v Mount Maunganui Sports at Tauranga Domain
Te Puke Sports v Rangataua at Murray Salt Stadium
Whakarewarewa v Rotoiti at Puarenga Park

Farmlands Co-operative Baywide Premier 2
Saturday
Premier kickoff: 2.45pm
Development kickoff: 1pm
Opotiki v Rangiuru at Princess Street
Marist St Michael's v Arataki at Marist Park
Te Teko v Whakatane Marist at Dunderdale Park
Ngongotaha v Waikite at Ngongotaha Domain

Farmlands Co-operative Baywide Division One
Saturday
Kickoff: 2.45pm
Kahukura v Murupara at Kuirau Park
Ruatoki v Papamoa at Tuhoe Park
Marist St Michael's v Poroporo at Marist Park
Waimana v Judea at Waimana Domain