Week of soul-searching for Whakarewarewa

Rangataua's Jesse Parete is hit hard and loses the ball during last Saturday's game against Whakarewarewa. Rangataua will be looking to score back to back wins over Rotorua opposition when they visit Emery Park tomorrow. Photo / Andrew Warner

Whakarewarewa will look to bounce back from last Saturday's hard-to-take defeat at the hands of Rangataua.

Whaka were put to the sword 71-10 by the ruthless defending champions, and coach Joe Savage hopes the soul-searching during the week will translate into a win against Te Puke Sports tomorrow. "The feeling in the camp has been that some of them feel they have tarnished the jersey a little bit, and the reputation of the club. They are definitely keen to make amends for that," he said.

"Some of the older members of the club are also disappointed and that's something we don't want to happen ever, so the guys are pretty determined to get back on track and make the older club members proud of what we are doing."

Savage said that what he knew about tomorrow's visitors to Puarenga Park, his side could expect a physical encounter.

"If we can overcome that, and get over the gain line more often than not, then we will get some points on the board."

Savage has question marks over a handful of players, with Chauncey Edwards [hamstring] and Douglas Edwards [head knock] leaving the field early last week and fullback Shaquille Stone rated 50:50 with an ankle problem.

Whaka's conquerors come to town this weekend to take on Rotoiti, who are returning home hoping to follow up last weekend's victory over Arataki with another win.

But judging from Rangataua's last outing, it could he a difficult task for the home side.
Rotoiti management have reflected on their team's performance over the weekend, and recognise that discipline is a key concern for the side.

"We are going to re-focus again on our discipline in all facets of the game," said manager Steve Curtis. "We will focus on reducing unforced errors and easy turnover ball back to our opposition. We expect Rangataua to bring their A game this weekend and look forward to a solid challenge.

"It appears Rangataua are returning to top form and they will be a threat across the field as they can create opportunities out of any turnover situation. We will need to be accurate with our game plan and delivery this week to gain the win," said Curtis.

Curtis said the home support had had an influence on performances.

"We have played well in all home games this season and hope to use the home ground advantage and enthusiastic support from the home crowd to make all the difference."

There are just three games left before the top eight to contest round two are decided.

"All games in this round are important but as we near the end of the round we need to secure another win to ensure we stay in contention to qualify for a top eight position."

Rangataua coach John O'Loan reflected his on his team's performance against Whakarewarewa and the importance placed on the result now.

"A win is really important for us to keep the momentum going. We had a great win last week but if we don't back that performance up with something similar we can only consider it a one-off and one-off performances aren't good enough to reclaim titles. A win will also help with confidence knowing that we can go away to challenging clubs and win well," said O'Loan.

Saturday's draws:
Baywide Premier (2.45pm) and Premier Development (1pm):
Mount Maunganui Sports v Whakatane Marist at Blake Park, Tauranga Sports v Poroporo at Tauranga Domain, Rotoiti v Rangataua at Emery Park, Greerton Marist v Paroa at Greerton Park, Whakarewarewa v Te Puke Sports at Puarenga Park, Te Puna v Arataki at Maramatanga Park.

Baywide Division 1 (2.45pm):
Opotiki v Ngongotaha at Princess St Reserve, Waikite v Kahukura at Bellvue Rd, Ruatoki v Te Teko at Tuhoe Park, Katikati v Waimana at Moore Park, Judea v Marist St Michael's at Maharaia Winiata Memorial Park, Rangiuru v Papamoa at Centennial Park.

Baywide Premier Women's (1pm):
Saturday: Rangiuru v Rangataua at Centennial Park
Sunday: Whakarewarewa v Te Whanau Apanui at Puarenga Park
Waimana v Waikite - scheduled for Queens Birthday Weekend
Rotoiti - Bye.