Kaierau set for challenge

While Pirates are making sure their heads are on straight, fellow city team Kaierau want to springboard from last week's win as they try to topple undefeated Border under lights tonight.

With Ruapehu having their bye weekend, Border could tie them at the top of the ladder while staying a pace ahead of fellow contender Taihape, who play a wounded Marist at Spriggens Park.

Yet for Kaierau co-coach Anton Edwards, it's all about living in the moment in Waverley.

"It's good this year that a lot of teams are more competitive," he said.

"We know we have to win games to edge closer to the top four zone, or the top three." There was hardly a struck point between Border and Kaierau in 2012 both team's splitting their wins, but tonight will be a tough assignment for the city side.

"I don't think any of us have played under lights up there," said Edwards.

"It's a tight schedule, for a lot of our guys to get away from work.

"But we wanted to be accommodating, especially with the duck hunting season on the way and it's a fundraiser for them as well."

Kaierau are without the services of second-five Fiatau Faalili, who has concussion after being knocked out in the Pirates match.

However, inspirational captain Chris Harris returns at lock.

"We're not going to go up there and die wondering, we'll throw the ball around," said Edwards.

The other game of Round 6 sees winless Utiku Old Boys try to lift themselves at home in Taihape against Ratana, smarting from their defeat to neighbours Marton last week.