Waikite wary of Rangiuru backlash

SEMIFINAL CLASH: Waikite's captain Eliza Stephens and her side are aiming to reach the Baywide Premier final tomorrow. PHOTO/FILE

It will be a "fight to the death" when Waikite host what is set to be a thrilling semifinal.

The reigning champions take on a young and feisty Rangiuru in the last four of the Baywide Premier competition tomorrow.

Waikite go in as favourites, finishing five points ahead of Rangiuru on 31 points and beating them 24-15 in the reverse fixture.

But Waikite captain Eliza Stephens said her side must be alert to the dangerous threat Rangiuru posed and treat the match like a final.

"Rangiuru put a lot of pressure on and retained the ball well in our last game. They will want revenge and are a real contender for the title," she said.

"So this week it's been about trying to stay calm and relaxed. We have worked on a game plan and have fine-tuned our moves and plays.

"We believe we are ready to hit our peak and this is what we have been training for.

"You want to be part of these games as players, and we aren't ready to fall at one of the final hurdles."

Waikite have lost only one game this season - going down 22-19 to Tokoroa , the only unbeaten side in the division so far.

Before that, Waikite had not been beaten since the final of the 2014 competition.

Rangiuru coach Jimi McLean has urged his players not to be "overwhelmed" by their opponents.

"Our focus this weekend is about us, our own game and ensuring we execute properly and everything else should fall into place," he said. "Last time round we tried to negate the Waikite game but this time around we must look at our own game and what we can do well.

"The Waikite side have got hard running forwards and experience on their side. But we have to step up to the mark this weekend.

"We have to ensure we are strong all over the place on defence, but looking to play a fast-paced game ourselves."

Both teams had hefty home wins last weekend - Waikite crushed Tauranga Sports 61-0 whilst Rangiuru thrashed Arataki 83-0.

The winner from tomorrow's semifinal will meet either Tokoroa or fourth-placed Waimana, who meet tomorrow at Tokoroa's fortress this season - Memorial Sports Ground.

Tokoroa will be looking for a repeat performance of last weekend's 33-17 home victory against tomorrow's opponents.

"It was strange how the draw fell but the slate is clear - last week's result has no bearing and both sides start again," said Tokoroa's coach AJ Purnell.

"We will have a low-key approach ... focus this week has been on correcting the basics and working on the set pieces at scrum and line-out time.

"Any advantage of hosting this weekend is quickly lost with the added challenge of the home-town supporters' expectations.

"Ensuring the team finishes on a positive note when the final whistle blows is also a key goal for Sunday."

Tomorrow's Baywide Premier Women's Semifinals:

Kick-off 1pm

Waikite v Rangiuru, Bellvue Road

Tokoroa v Waimana, Memorial Sports Ground