Variation the key for Central Bay of Plenty

TOO FAST: Central Bay of Plenty's Ethan Draper skips out of a tackle against Hamilton in the first round of the Stan Meads Cup last weekend. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER

Central Bay of Plenty coach Chris Shortall wants to see more variation in attack during the second round of the Stan Meads Cup.

Central travel to defending champions Te Awamutu today- a daunting task against a team that has been a powerhouse in the competition since its inception.

The game also presents an opportunity for Central to challenge for the Peace Cup. The Peace Cup gives the Stan Meads Cup an extra edge, being on the line each week as a challenge prize. Te Awamutu are the current holders.

Last week Te Awamutu swept aside Maniapoto with ease, cruising to a 52-10 win, while Central lost 24-12 to Hamilton after having a player red carded in the first five minutes.

Courtsiko Domonibitu, the player shown a red card for a dangerous tackle, has been banned for three weeks, meaning he misses the rest of the round robin.

Despite the loss, Shortall saw some encouraging signs from his side, however he was eager for them to mix things up a bit more in attack.

"We just need to be a bit smarter about our carry, and not carry through the same channels the whole time. We need a lot more variation - in the modern game now you can't be one dimensional.

"We're lucky with Curtis Deane at second five, he's very smart and we can run a lot around him.

"[Te Awamutu] are a big side, they have a big forward pack so I'm expecting them to carry hard up front. We've really got to tackle well, the first-up tackles are going to be crucial.

"If we can slow the ruck down at all that will also be crucial. Their second five is very good at carrying the ball too. If he gets over the gain line all the time and gives them go-forward, it's really hard to combat," Shortall said.

He was confident he had players in the squad who could fill the void left by Domonibitu in the forward pack.

"Sam Morgan [Marist St Michael's] has come back into the fold, he was away last week. He'll slot in well and he's another lineout option.

"Training was really good this week, it seems to be that bit smoother being the second week in.

"The players are very keen to have a go at this Peace Cup, we're expecting that it's going to be tough but they are keen to give it their all. You never know, it's a one-off game.

"They'll expect to weather the first 20 minutes so we've got to be able to carry on longer than that and make them weather the storm for long periods."

Stan Meads Cup draw:
Today, August 19
Te Awamutu v CBOP at Albert Park, Te Awamutu
Hamilton v Maniapoto at Melville
Both games kick off at 2.30pm