WHEN 39-year-old Waikite captain Eliza Stephens makes a crushing tackle, elder sister Tina, 40, and 19-year-old daughter Autumn-Rain are backing her up on the field.
Meanwhile younger daughter Raumati-Breeze, 7, is cheering them all on from the side line decked out in her Waikite Kowhai junior rippa rugby kit.
Introducingthe four formidable Stephens - whose talents have made their surname synonymous with passion and pride on the rugby pitch.
Eliza and Tina were the first to join the club together six years ago after spells with both Rotoiti and Ngongotaha.
And the two sisters have a special bond between them, as well as a healthy element of sibling rivalry.
"Rugby has always been in the blood for both of us. Growing up we would play and kick the ball around together so it was a natural progression for us to join the same teams," explained Eliza, who plays at first five-eighth.
"We have a very close bond and that really gives an advantage in the game.
I know we've got each other's back and knowing you have that level of support is amazing.
Tina joked: "On the field Eliza is definitely the captain for the team and family. She may be slightly bossy at times but I let it go, that's her role.
"Off the pitch it's a different story, I am the older sister after all. Although Eliza certainly is the most competitive out of all of us."
The skipper, who also has two other children, Lauryn, 17, and Pounanu, 13 - both talented basketball players - was delighted her eldest and youngest daughters showed interest in rugby.
Autumn-Rain has blossomed in the sport since joining Waikite two years ago and recently won the open mixed female MVP award for Touch NZ at the 2016 Open Trans Tasman Series.
The talented fullback is also training with the Bay of Plenty Volcanix high performance squad and Bay Sevens team alongside her club rugby.
FORMIDABLE FAMILY: Introducing the Stephens (from left) Tina, Raumati-Breeze, Autumn-Rain and Eliza, who all play for Waikite. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER
"Watching my mum and auntie really inspired me to get into the game. I've always been very quick too and playing at fullback I get to use my speed to my advantage," Autumn-Rain said.
"It's great to know I have family support on the pitch, we all help each other out and I know they want the best for me.
"I want to go far in the sport - competing at the Olympics would be a dream or playing for the Black Ferns, but that is a long way off."
Raumati-Breeze the 'baby of the family' is currently in her first season with Rotorua's first all girl junior rippa rugby side and Eliza has high hopes for her youngest.
"She may seem very shy and sweet off the pitch but just give her a rugby ball and watch her go," she said.
"If she sticks at the game and with all the developments happening in women's rugby right now then Raumati-Breeze could go very far.
"I have always encouraged all my children to take up a sport because it has so many benefits and it's just a bonus that two of mine love rugby."
The Stephens' force seems to be paying off on the field for Waikite with the women's team unbeaten in the Baywide Premier since the 2014 final when they lost to Arataki.
And tomorrow the reigning champions go in search of their sixth win in a row this season as they take on second placed Tokoroa away.
But Tina, who plays halfback, insists that the team cannot be over-confident as they play in their most difficult game of this year's campaign so far.
"We are the team to beat but we can't take that for granted," she said.
"They will have their home advantage and loud supporters behind them is going to be a huge factor for them."
Eliza added: "We haven't experienced too much pressure and the high intensity of the games yet so it is a concern if when we are placed in those tight sticky situations in a game.
"But I am confident we are able to handle it and, if we want to be champions again, it's what we need to do."
-Waikite will travel to take on Tokoroa at Memorial Sports ground, kick-off 1pm.
