Waikite wary of rivals

Waikite will face a difficult test as they go in search of their fifth win in a row in the Baywide Premier competition.

The top-of-the-table side face third-placed Rangiuru away tomorrow.

In their last encounter at the Baywide Pre-Season tournament, Waikite came away with a hard-fought win over the young, determined Rangiuru side but it will be the first time the two sides meet for a full 80 minutes.

Waikite go into the game on the back of an impressive 34-0 home win over Waimana in their last match, however, captain Eliza Stephens is wary of their opponents, who are somewhat of an unknown entity.

"We have a game plan in place that will suit us. However, Rangiuru will probably bring a different dynamic to our game compared to our last match against Waimana," she said. "Rangiuru are a young, fast and fit team, so they will look to go wide and keep the ball alive, which will be a strong point for their side.

"But we are ready for whatever they throw at us this weekend. They have nothing to lose, which we are aware of.

"We have been coming into the games a little too slowly, building over that first 40 and then getting into it. This weekend we need to play 80 minutes and have a high tempo from kick-off."

Rangiuru thrashed Rotoiti 60-0 at home in their last game and coach Jimi McLean said he would be looking to the team's forwards to get a good result.

"We are looking to the forwards to take a big step up this weekend. They need to seek parity if not dominate the Waikite forward challenge," he said.

"Like most teams, front-foot ball allows good go-forward from your backs. If our forwards wane then it will be a hard day in the office for our backs.

"We need to ensure we are mentally switched on, not overawed by the occasion or the opposition. Waikite need to be respected, but we need to be in control of our game both physically and mentally.

"Waikite definitely need to be respected right across the paddock. Their ball carriers are strong off the rucks and in the midfield, so we need to be able to nullify their gain-line success. They also possess speed in the back three, so for us it will be about shutting down time and space for those runners."

Waikite will travel to Tuhoe Park to take on Rangiuru. Kick-off is at 2.45pm.

Baywide Premier Women's games:

Today (kick-off 6pm):

Tauranga Sports v Rotoiti, Blake Park

Tomorrow (kick-off 1pm):

Rangiuru v Waikite, Centennial Park

Te Whanau Apanui v Waimana, Te Kaha

Arataki v Tokoroa, Arataki Park