Rugby: Whakarewarewa desperate for win

Whakarewarewa's Doug Edwards (pictured here earlier in the season against Opotiki) and his side are expected to put everything on the line this weekend against Greerton Marist.

Whakarewarewa coach Kopae Irihei has insisted his side have a "do or die," attitude as they look to make head way on the top six premier sides tomorrow.

The game will be a competitive clash as they face eighth place Greerton Marist away, who are just one point ahead of them, on 22 points.

Whaka are also just three points away from sixth place Rotoiti with Rangataua in seventh.

And Irihei's side go into the game on the back of three wins on the bounce, including last Saturday's tough 13-8 home win over Rangataua, despite not playing at their best level.

"It is a do or die weekend, because there is only one point separating the two teams so everyone is desperate for a win," said Irihei.

"A result is the most important thing for all the teams bunched together below Rotoiti. We are moving towards crunch time in the season and so a good performance is vital.

"We will kick on where we have gone from the last couple of weeks. Even though we may have struggled, it is important just clicking over those wins.

Greerton Marist go into the crucial match full of confidence having won their last four matches, including last weekend's 52-19 win over bottom of the league Paroa.

However Greerton coach Kevin Lee stressed that all aspects of Greerton Marist's game must improve and picked Te Rangi Fraser out as a player to watch.

"We will need to pick up our game from last week to meet the challenge that Whakarewarewa provide," said Lee.

"They have strong forwards, a strong midfield and a couple of key game winners including Fraser.

"We will have to overcome them by having some luck on our side and hoping they have an off day."

Whaka have been strengthened in recent weeks by the return of Ryubyn Vaipo.

But this week Irihei is hoping the back line in particular will impact on the game.

"I really want to see our backs get a bit of ball this weekend with weather permitting.

"It was hard for them last week, with the game being largely dominated by our forwards but now is the time for the backline to step up and show their quality."

The game between Greerton Marist and Whakarewarewa is being played at Greerton Park, kick off at 2.45pm.