Rugby: Ratana chase a rare double

Ratana fullback Weston Hemi in action during the win over Kaierau at the end of Round 1 of Wanganui Premier rugby. Photo/File

Harvey Round Motors Ratana coach Johno Kaa has the answer - "Yes. Simple as that."

The question? Can his unpredictable team insure lightning strikes twice in 2014 by once again beating Tasman Tanning Premier champions McCarthy's Ruapehu in their return match in the Pa tomorrow?

Ratana's 10-3 upset win in their first match of the campaign at Ohakune on March 29 made jaws drop around Wanganui rugby, as the previously unfancied team lifted the Grand Hotel Challenge Shield, which they would proceed to lose to Taihape and win back from Waverley Harvesting Border over the following few weeks.

Ruapehu would recover from their stumble to work their way back to the top of the Premier standings, a one-point loss to Integrity Motors Pirates notwithstanding, and will bring a tight five in strong form down south tomorrow to try to win the shield back.

Their coach Chris Winter has made it clear he has no illusions of the task ahead, as Ratana are unbeaten in their home games this season.

Kaa said it will be a different match to March when "we were all trying to get our feel for the game".

"We do have a couple of injuries to key players. But through the first round we found we can do the job without those key players.

"A home game is worth 10 points straight off the bat.

"Everyone knows the Pa and you don't just play the rugby team, you play everyone on the sidelines."

While Ruapehu's front row of Karl Parker, Kim McNaught and Roman Tutauha were all in excellent nick in the mud last week against Wanganui Car Centre Kaierau, Ratana has their full compliment available in the pack, including the power of props Kereti Tamou and inspirational captain Vaan Rahina.

"He leads, they follow. The young people on the sidelines ... they call him 'the Spirit Man'," said Kaa of Rahina.

"If Vaan is not out there, things won't go to plan - as soon as he hops on the field, things happen."

One very interested spectator will be Steelform Wanganui coach Jason Caskey, who will travel to the Pa for the big clash.

Also getting back to full strength is Border as they face a wounded Pirates at Spriggens Park tomorrow.

Representative lock Sam Madams is finally back from injury and made a 20 minute cameo off the bench in the win over Utiku last week.

"I've been able to put on the same forward pack, or close to it, the last three weeks," said coach Ross Williams.

"Pirates are a quality side so it's really a good opportunity and time to play a team like them now."

Lock/loosie John Laurie, big prop Kamipeli Latu, lock Jack Hodge and others will want a big game in the engine room against the former competition leaders who are still battling injury and suspension.

But remembering the 25-14 loss at home in March, Border coach Ross Williams is taking little notice of Pirates recent defeats to Kaierau and Taihape.

"I don't care who's there or not there - they're a good side.

"If you let them get on the front foot, if you give them too much ball."

Another pivotal change is Williams bringing veteran fullback Fraser Middleton in for Terau Mana Wirihana to run the cutter at first-five, partnering with current MVP season leader Lindsay Horrocks.

In the other matchups, Kaierau host a Taihape team jubilant after finally cracking a win over a Top 4 team last week against Pirates, while Utiku Old Boys will be after a rare win when they meet Dave Hoskin Carriers Marist who are trying to get out of a five-game slump at Memorial Park.