Unuwai said his team had moved on from their disappointing loss last weekend to Pacific, which cost them an automatic place in the grand final. "We had a real hard game last weekend but everyone has put that game behind them and is looking forward to this one."
Pikiao lost twice and won one against Taupo during the regular season this year, which Unuwai is mindful of.
"They are our bogey team but the boys have got nothing to lose and everything to gain."
He said some of his players were carrying niggles and bruises but had put their hands up anyway to play this weekend.
"Everyone is going to put their body on the line this weekend which is something I'm pretty proud of."
Meanwhile, Taupo will be up for the challenge after beating Ngongotaha 36-18 in the first semifinal last weekend. Home-field advantage could prove the difference in the match, with Pikiao playing at their fortress, Puketawhero Park.
The game will kick off tomorrow at 2.45pm.
The curtain raiser will feature the reserve grade semifinal between Mangakino and Pikiao at 1pm.
The winner of that game will face off against a strong Central side in the reserve grade final next weekend.
Unuwai said it was great to see Pikiao featuring strongly in both premier and reserve grade this year. "It has been a while since both teams have been in this situation. It is good to see we have the depth in our reserve side to feed our premier side," he said.
