Whaka looking unstoppable ahead of semi

Whakarewarewa's Jesse Mason-Grant (pictured against Arataki earlier in the season) and his side are aiming for a repeat win over their opposition in the Premier 2 semifinal today. PHOTO/FILE

The top four teams in the Baywide Premier 2 competition have already sealed a place in the highest tier for next season but much is still at stake with silverware and pride up for grabs.

Tomorrow Paroa will battle it out against Poroporo at Lawson Park whilst Whakarewarewa take on Arataki at Puarenga Park in the semifinals.

Whakarewarewa look unstoppable after seven impressive wins in the second round of the season, collecting seven bonus points along the way.

But coach Kopae Irihei insisted the side will be treating it like a "final" and can't rely on previous results - including a 67-21 win over Arataki in round three of the Premier 2 competition.

"We can't go in with the attitude that we should win, that isn't a mentality I want players to have," he said.

"This game is a whole different kettle of fish and everything has to be left on the line.

"Yes we had a great win against Arataki but they now have nothing to lose and this is a one off game.

"So we must keep a strong structure and shape throughout the game and go in with the right mind set of securing a win."

Irihei said the club had been disappointed to drop down from the top tier but stressed the importance of finishing off the season "properly".

"We let ourselves down, and there were a few performances where we really weren't good enough. Those results came back to haunt us," he said.

"But we have fully adjusted since coming into the second tier and our aim was to show that we are a top premier grade side.

"I think our recent displays have shown that but we have to make sure we complete this.

"Our ambition was always to win this and we have the home advantage in our favour so we have no excuse."

Whakarewarewa will be strengthened by the return of Kimo Houltham, Reuben Vaipou and Chris van der Vlugt, but will be without Jordan Lay (dislocated knee) and Joe Savage who is unavailable.

Irihei said he expected his side to be dangerous up front but was wary of Arataki's midfield combination.

"Our forwards have been dominant this year and we need to have that strong pack leading us out," he said.

"But I am aware that Arataki have an excellent inside-centre duo which the players must deal with.

"I"m expecting them to be a little weaker on the edges and we will look to exploit that."

Whakarewarewa have the best attacking record in the division tallying 335 points in Premier 2 whilst today's opposition have scored 238 points.

"We have managed to turn attacking positions into points and this will be crucial once again," said Irihei.

"The impressive back line have put a lot of points over for us so the forwards need to make sure they secure the ball well and set it up.

"Our quick players should hopefully do the rest. And I don't want us to take our foot off the pedal."

Tomorrow's semifinal games:

Baywide Premier 1:
Kick-off 2.45pm

Mount Sports v Rotoiti at Mount Sports at Blake Park

Rangataua v Tauranga Sports at Ariki Park

Baywide Premier 2:
Kick-off 2.45pm

Whakarewarewa v Arataki, Puarenga Park

Paroa v Poroporo, Lawson Park

Baywide Premier 1 Development:
Kick-off 1pm

Te Puna v Tauranga Sports, Maramatanga Park

Mount Sports v Te Puke, Blake Park

Baywide Premier 2 Development:
Kick-off 1pm

Opotiki v Arataki, Princess Street Reserve

Waikite v Poroporo, Bellvue Road

Baywide Division 1:
Kick-off 2.45pm

Judea v Kahukura, Maharaia Winiata Park

Rangiuru v Te Teko, Centennial Park

Baywide Division 2:
Kick-off 2.45pm

Waimana v Matata, Waimana Domain

Murupara v Eastern Districts, Ngati Manawa Park