Rugby: Whaka must dig deep to get the best of top-four side

Whakarewarewa will host Tauranga Sports tomorrow in a top-four clash. Earlier this season, Tauranga Sports (with ball) were up against Whaka. Photo / George Novak

The question still hangs over Whakarewarewa: Can they beat a top-four team?

It's the only box they have not ticked this season.

They sit in third spot in the tough Baywide premier competition and boast the best offence in the competition, averaging 32 points per game.

They have won both local derby matches this season against rivals Rotoiti and had five players involved in the Bay of Plenty Steamers trial match on Wednesday. There is a lot to like about their chances of making the playoffs and even the final this year.

But there is one big question mark: Can they beat a top-four side?

They have lost all three games this season to title contenders Mount Maunganui, Te Puke and Tauranga Sports.

With only five games left before the playoffs, they are set to host all three giants at Puarenga Park, starting with Tauranga Sports tomorrow.

"It's a really important game [against Tauranga] because it will give us some belief that we can beat them," Whaka coach Ngarimu Simpkins said.

"But rather than concentrate too much on them we are looking at ourselves. There is enough to worry about in our own game to not worry about them."

Following a pleasing win against Rangataua last weekend, Simpkins said they were looking good for the back end of the season. "We are confident that we are starting to gel in the right part of the season."

One of Whaka's goals, set recently, was to stay undefeated at home for the rest of the year. Simpkins said playing well in front of their community and supporters was very important.

" There are only two Rotorua teams in the top competition so it is really important that we play well in front of our home crowd."

Meanwhile, Rotoiti will be desperate for a win following a tough run of results. The Rotorua side can still mathematically make the playoffs but will be more focused on defeating Opotiki at home tomorrow. Both games kick off at 2.45pm.

Black Ferns on a roll
The Black Ferns will look to cap a perfect build-up to the women's Rugby World Cup when they play Canada in Whakatane.

The Black Ferns have been competing in the international women's rugby series this month hosted in the Bay of Plenty.

The New Zealand side have won their first three matches of the series against Australia 38-3, Samoa 90-12 and Canada 16-8.

The final game of the series will be held tomorrow at Rugby Park in Whakatane at 2.30pm.

If the Black Ferns defeat Canada during the match it will cap off a perfect build-up to the women's Rugby World Cup in France in August.

The New Zealand women's team have won the past four world cups (1998, 2002, 2006 and 2010).