The Bay have played in four and won every one of them — 46-34 against King Country in 2006, 38-35 aginst South Canterbury in 2007, 26-5 against Horowhenua Kapiti in 2008 and the 2011 win against South Canterbury, who are bidding for a third consecutive Meads Cup (top four) title today.
Could the Weka make it a fifth?
If they show the character and comeback qualities of last weekend’s semifinals, the answer to that would be a definite yes.
Down 28-7 with 25 minutes to go against North Otago in Oamaru, the Bay mounted a memorable comeback to win 40-35 — a fitting performance to mark loose forward Keanu Taumata’s blazer (30th) game.
While that effort was testament to their never-say-die attitude, coach Miah Nikora said the foundation to their success was simple . . . “our preparation”.
When their lead-up has been good, their performances have been good.
He referred specificially to their 31-17 win against Horowhenua Kāpiti in Week 7 — a performance that broke a five-match losing streak.
“We did a bit more during the morning. There was a bit more on offer for the boys, so they were more active,” he said.
Sluggish preparation had converted to slow starts, he said.
“Hanging around the hotel and not doing much has transferred into the warm-up and then on to the field. We need to make sure we get that stuff right on the morning of the game.”
Nikora is wary of a West Coast squad featuring “a few different faces” from last season.
“They have definitely bolstered their playing stocks. They’re probably one of the better defensive teams in the competition. They’re clinical in all their play. They’re accurate on attack and defence — a solid all-round team.”
The Coast finished seventh on the 12-team table to make the Lochore Cup (fifth to eighth) semifinals where they beat Wairarapa Bush 33-27. They had four wins and four losses in round-robin play for 21 points, five ahead of the Bay on 16 including only two victories, but eight bonus points.
The teams have met 24 times dating back to the NPC third division in 1994. The Bay have won 19 times to the Coast’s five.
Nikora, after naming his 23 for tomorrow’s 2.05pm final, was confident they had the team to do the job.
“We’ve had a few more to choose from this week than we did last week. It makes things tougher from a selection perspective but we are in a really good space . . . that’s for sure.
“Everyone’s excited . . . and there’s been a focus on how we can get the best out of everyone for tomorrow.”
It all starts from the front. Lance Dickson will prop alongside man mountain Jarryd Broughton, with captain Shayde Skudder at hooker as he closes in on his 50th match for the Bay.
Young gun Hayze Nepia will start at blindside flanker with Keanu Taumata on the openside and Stuart Leach No.8.
Morgan Reedy has stepped up to fill the lock void left by Dan Law (eye injury) while Jordan Kingi, in his debut season, completes the second row pairing.
Mr Consistency Ra Broughton has stepped up in the vice-captain role and will again wear the No.9 jersey.
Rookie Jonty Stewart will take the reins at first-five inside the dangerous midfield combination of Jacob Leaf and Taine Aupouri.
Bosca Tikicidre and Te Peehi Fairlie are on the wings and Ricardo Patricio is at fullback.
Geoffrey Pari is the replacement hooker and the experienced Campbell Chrisp and James Higgins are the reserve props.
Ngahiwi Manuel will play his pocket (10th) match as loose forward cover along with Kupu Lloyd.
Moses Christie, Mitch Purvis and Hunter Mokomoko are sure to provide impetus as reserve backs.
Tomorrow’s match will be broadcast live on Sky Sport 2 and free to air on Sky Open with coverage from 2pm.
Poverty Bay
Lance Dickson, Shayde Skudder (c), Jarryd Broughton, Jordan Kingi, Morgan Reedy, Hayze Nepia, Keanu Taumata, Stuart Leach, Ra Broughton (vc), Jonty Stewart, Te Peehi Fairlie, Jacob Leaf, Taine Aupouri, Bosca Tikicidre, Ricardo Patricio.
Reserves: Geoffrey Pari, Campbell Chrisp, James Higgins, Kupu Lloyd, Ngahiwi Manuel, Moses Christie, Mitchell Purvis, Hunter Mokomoko.
