Rugby: Whaka v champs - it's huge

Whakarewarewa and Rotoiti will play two matches each this long weekend. Pictured is Whaka player Chanse Perham, playing against Rotoiti this season. Photo/Ben Fraser

Top-of-the-table Whakarewarewa will play reigning champions Tauranga Sports this Easter in the Baywide premier competition.

Each premier club will play two matches this weekend during the first double-header round of the year.

Rotorua's two premier clubs, Rotoiti and Whakarewarewa, will play their matches tomorrow and Monday against some tough competition.

The match of the weekend is shaping to be Monday's Whaka versus Tauranga Sports clash, with both teams undefeated.

Whaka coach Ngarimu Simpkins said they were upbeat but it would be a tough game: "Tauranga has been the benchmark for Bay of Plenty club rugby for a couple of years now.

"We're a new-look Whaka team and we are going in as the underdogs, but we're confident in our ability."

Tauranga Sports coach Mike Rogers talked up Whaka, who have won four from four in style.

"Whaka is top of the table and their form has been very good so we're treating the game as a tough one," Rogers said.

"The rivalry between Whaka and Tauranga between 2006 to 2009/10, when Whaka's coach Ngarimu used to captain the team, saw us both as top clubs during those years and it's good to see Whaka coming up the top again."

The big clash will be played at Tauranga Domain at 2.45pm on Monday. Whaka will also play Rangataua at Puarenga Park (Rotorua) tomorrow at 2.45pm.

Meanwhile, Rotoiti are looking to get a winning streak going after wins in their last two starts. They face Greerton tomorrow at Emery Park, followed by a match away to Opotiki on Monday.

Rotoiti impressed last weekend, proving too good for Mount Maunganui, and should give Greerton a good run tomorrow.

Greerton coach Kane Parker said they expected a battle at Emery Park.

"Rotoiti has been going really well. They're normally a top team and we're looking forward to a really tough game, especially on their home ground. Kevin [Lee] has got his team going really well."

Development-grade matches will be played, as usual, before each premier game.