Rotorua teams relish home advantage

Running on to an international rugby field is every young player's dream, and one that will soon be realised for this year's Tai Mitchell participants.

The 2014 Tai Mitchell tournament starts next Friday and all matches will be played at the Rotorua International Stadium.

The two Rotorua coaches reckon the home advantage will be good for their players. Rotorua Maroon are this year coached by Para Meha and Rotorua Gold by Boxer Smith, and both coaches are new to the tournament.

"It will make a huge difference [being at home]," said Rotorua Maroon manager Rawiri Wihapi.

"It's probably a childhood dream to run out on to an international stadium where All Blacks have played. It's one thing that boys always remember as they get older, it gets embedded in their mind. We're the only town in the competition that can give them that opportunity."

Wihapi said Maroon had lost only one of their six pre-tournament matches so far and were feeling confident of how they could perform in the tournament proper.

"We don't want to brag about how good we are but we've built ourselves up to be confident enough to be successful in the tournament. But anything can happen."

Rotorua Gold coach Boxer Smith is working with a fairly fresh squad - only three of his side played in the tournament last year.

He said this year's focus is more about building a strong unit for next year.

"It's also our first time as coaches so we're implementing a new culture and getting a bond among the boys. I think our boys have worked pretty hard to get ready for the tournament, physically and mentally.

"For a lot of them it's probably the only opportunity to play at our international stadium and it will be a big thing. All their families are going to be there so hopefully we'll get some home advantage."

Meanwhile, Apanui have had a last-minute effort to stay in the tournament after they struggled to make up the numbers required. The team have been able to draw upon players from Tauranga and Rotorua after announcing they would not be able to play.