Ngatapa at Paddy’s Park in Patutahi will be another toughie.
YMP coach Kahu Tamatea said Ngatapa knew them well and they would need to tread carefully against them.
“Ngatapa are known for their tough forward pack but what I’ve liked is that their young backline are starting to cause the opposition problems,” he said.
“They aren’t shy to have a go and as a team they always play for the full 80 minutes, which is a compliment to the team’s fitness.”
YMP, though, are famous for their attacking flair and tomorrow should offer plenty of chances to showcase that and for players to make their mark early in the season.
“We have made some changes through injuries/niggles, whānau commitments, but we also are looking to give guys an opportunity to show what they can do,” Tamatea said.
“When we get to crunch time we want to be able to call upon anyone and be confident they can do the job that’s asked of them.
“We are looking forward to another tough encounter.”
Ngatapa lost to Waikohu on opening day but found their stride against a physical Pirates side.
Ngatapa co-coach Guy Allan said tomorrow’s challenge was a big deal.
“It’s going to be a true test for the boys. We have to maintain discipline and keep structure because if we give YMP the opportunity, they’ll make us pay.
“We have done a little bit of homework. We know who their playmakers are and will be trying to the best of our ability not to give them opportunity to open us up.”
Pirates have made big improvements. from their opening loss to OBM.
Discipline and lasting the full 80 were problems, and fitness again was an issue in a significantly better showing against Ngatapa last weekend.
“This week, our main focus was on fitness, playing as a team and maintaining it for the full 80,” coach Anthony Kiwara said.
“Last week’s game was evident of that, where we lacked that extra effort and holes started to appear and Ngatapa capitalised.
“We’ve worked hard on those areas this week and are looking forward to the challenge ahead.”
HSOB have been on their own journey of discovery.
Their focus is on developing week by week and getting more things to fall into place.
“We have been working on ourselves, on our skills, sharpening up our attack and looking to score tries,” coach Wayne Ensor said.
In their two games so far, they had “fallen off” in the second half . . . “so we have got to play out the full 80 minutes”.
Waikohu’s focus is also on self-improvement, coach Tane McGuire says.
“Our plan is to not disrupt their (OBM’s) game but just play our game better,” he said.
“Our focus this week is on improving our game.”
Waikohu get huge support at their home ground and OBM coach Dillon Dolman-Tuhou said it was always challenging to play them there.
“It is definitely going to be a big game . . . they will have a lot of support,” Dolman-Tuhou said.
Defence will be key. They cannot afford to give Waikohu space. If they do, they will be punished.
“The major concerns we have are staying calm under pressure when the game is close, and our decision-making when fatigued needs to be good.”
NGATAPA: Ben Johnson, Tane Ruru, Jacob Storey, Jack Twigley, Dan Law, Knox Ranitu, Angus Chapman, Khian Westrupp, Archie Harding, Ricardo Patricio, Sunia Tawakecokocoko, Nashwen Mouton, Filimone “Bill” Drua, Manaia Ngata, Kailata Tupa.
RESERVES: Rawiri Kerehoma-Hoerara, Ihaia Kerr, Campbell Chrisp, Ethan Angitoa, Benito Barry, Johnny Millar, Reuben Papuni.
YMP: Nehe Papuni, Shayde Skudder, Haze Nepia, Willis Tamatea, Jordan Birch, Isaiah Leach, Seth Lundon, Stuart Leach, Ra Broughton, Kayleb Te Whare, Genesis Bartlett-Tamatea, Te Peehi Fairlie. Whaimotu Craft-Chemist, Winiata Tarawa, Andrew Tauatevalu.
Reserves: Hohepa Hakopa, Rocky Monika, Shyann Wyllie, Jason Tuhoe, Kelvin Smith, Silas Brown, Mitch Purvis.
WAIKOHU: Toru Noanoa, Leonard Lloyd, Tristan Morten, James Rutene, Shannon Cameron, Geoff Pari, Kupu Lloyd, Willie Bolingford, Hamuera Moana, Jacob Leaf, Roy Horo, Adrian Wyrill, Ethine Reeves, KC Wilson, Tane McGuire.
Reserves: TBC
PIRATES: Tupousau Haupeakui, Moui Paongo, Kelepi Tamale, Netani Seruwaqa, Patriah Kaliopasi (c), Moeakiola Mosaati, Manase Tupe, Viliami Mosaati, Andrew Tau, Shaun Smith, Siope Fakahokotau, Viane Tuala, Suliano Rausavanua, Suliano Kurusiga, Mosese Bulicakau (VC).
RESERVES: Teni Fangataa, Siope Piukana, Toshio Paongo, Mango Halaifonua, Fereti Sosene, Aquila Gonitoga, TBC
OBM: Lance Dickson, Ngahiwi Manuel, Myles Lardelli-Muir/ Jayme Barnett, Harawira Kahukura, Jordan Kingi, Blake Beard, Keanu Taumata, Rikki Terekia (c), Atunaisa Rokotuiwei, Te Aho Morice, Joe Tikicidre, George Hooper, Mike Fox, Pita Vonowale, Moses Christie.
Reserves: Duran Smith, Justin Allen, Jacob Cook, Tikiko Viqasi, Jordan Christie, Jale Tiko, Solomoni Rosari.
HSOB: Jacob Hatton, Jody Tuhaka, Salesi Niuvao, Eben Boyder, Nelson Moran, Fletcher Scammell, Keegan Jooste, Von Huata, Alex Jerram, Bryan Howard, Sikeli Roraqoca, Rylan Tuwairua-Brown, Korey Love, Cohen Loffler, Matthew Proffit.
RESERVES: Russell Burns, Tavite Ikavesa, Rupeni Seruitakana, Scott Tallott, George Halley, Tobia Waqa, Cory Reihana.
