Whakarewarewa seek redemption through simple goals in Baywide Premier

Whakarewarewa captain David Marinkovich, pictured in action against Tauranga Sports last weekend. Photo/Andrew Warner

"Simple goals must be met."

That firm statement has been issued by Whakarewarewa coach Joe Savage to his players as the team aim for a successful Easter weekend.

Whaka have home advantage against Whakatane Marist at Puarenga Park in round five of Baywide Premier on Monday. The game was originally set down for Friday but was postponed due to Cyclone Cook.

The red and black men aim to bounce back after a 33-16 away loss to Tauranga Sports - their second defeat of the season, while Whakatane seek improvement after going down in a 43-7 thumping by Te Puke Sports last weekend.

A heavy northeasterlies forecast is likely to play a major part in the action - conditions Savage said he had factored into his team's game plan.

"We'll have to keep the ball closer to lessen the chance of mistakes and give us a chance of creating opportunities," he said.

Savage added his players would have to get "the basics right" against a Whakatane yet to record a win this season.

"Simple goals must be met - this didn't happen last weekend in our poorest performance so far in the competition," he said. "The set piece, decent ball provided to the backs, ball possession and winning contact collisions and at the break down weren't there. We have always been a physical side and this is what we need to bring to Whakatane.

"They won't be push overs - I know they have a handy No 8 and No 10 and a few Fijian players we need to keep an eye on."

Whaka would be at full strength and Savage said he would field the same team from last weekend but the halfback position on the bench could be changed.

"I'm feeling confident - we have the right structures in place and I've been watching plenty of video replay this week. We've had a firm discussion over everything we need to do and the boys are pretty excited to get out on the pitch," said Savage.