Rugby: Whakarewarewa take on defending champions

Whakarewarewa's Reuben Edwards delivers a fend during last season. Photo / File

The two top points scorers from round one of Baywide Premier rugby go head-to-head at Puarenga Park in Rotorua this weekend.

Whakarewarewa, who beat Whakatane Marist 73-33, host the defending Baywide champions Mount Maunganui, who are fresh off a 118-0 hammering of Paroa.

Whakarewarewa coach Joe Savage said the most pleasing thing about the result against Whakatane was the attitude with which his players approached the game.

"I was a little bit surprised, not so much with how we performed, but how much it blew out towards the end. There were patches where it was a tough battle but the boys kept themselves really composed actually, the attitude on the field was good and the intent was there.

"It was an ideal start to the season really. Technically, it wasn't the greatest, but for the first game of the season I'm happy with what I saw," Savage said.

He expected a sterner challenge from Mount Maunganui tomorrow. "We're not too sure what to take out of their game against Paroa, all I know is we just have to play 10 per cent better than last week and try to keep improving because it's a long season.

"A win would be nice against the defending champions and judging from what I've seen on paper, they are definitely a championship side and we're looking forward to it.

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"I'd like to see better decision making and a little bit more confidence this weekend. There were times in the game last weekend where we didn't quite know what we were doing, especially on defence, so if the guys can have a better understanding of our defensive plan I know that will go along way toward a good performance.

"We know the attacking threat the Mount have, especially out wide, so we need to make sure we don't let them have the ball for long periods."

Whakarewarewa lost several players to overseas contracts in the off-season, but Savage said that was an opportunity for others to prove themselves.

"We do have back-ups and they're pretty keen to get involved more now, which is ideal. They stepped up on Saturday, that's for sure."

Meanwhile, Rotoiti, who drew 24-all with Te Puna last weekend, take on Greerton Marist at Emery Park tomorrow. Ngongotaha, who beat Arataki 26-20, play Rangataua at Te Ariki Park tonight.Baywide Premier Draw:

Friday
Rangataua v Ngongotaha at Te Ariki Park (Premier 1.45pm, Development 12pm).

Arataki v Whakatane Marist at Arataki Park (Premier 2.45pm, Development 1pm).

Saturday
(Premier 2.45pm, Development 1pm)
Whakarewarewa v Mount Maunganui Sports at Puarenga Park.
Paroa v Te Puna at Lawson Park.
Rotoiti v Greerton Marist at Emery Park.

Baywide Division One:

Friday 2pm
Marist St Michael's v Waimana at Marist Park.

Friday 2.45pm
Te Teko v Poroporo at Dunderdale Park.

Saturday 2.45pm
Murupara v Waikite at Ngati Manawa.
Judea v Opotiki at Princess Street Reserve.
Rangiuru beat Ruatoki by default.