“We have lost four front-rowers to injury and another has returned to the East Coast,” Ensor said.
“We have several players with serious injuries who need more time (to recover.) We are confident that we can turn it around for next week.”
YMP collect five points to advance to the maximum 30 points on the table.
Second-placed OBM are defending their Oval fortress against a Pirates side hungry for a first victory for the season.
It’s not from want of trying. Pirates are a young side who have given it their all in challenging circumstances.
For, Pirates coach Anthony Kiwara, this season is not scoreboard driven, rather developing week by week.
“The main focus this week is to make sure we do the little things right, play as a team and stay in the game mentally,” Kiwara said.
“Often when fatigue sets in we have lost focus and structure. But the boys have worked hard this week on those key areas. We have a few injuries and others out due to whānau commitments. One of those players is our ever-consistent No.8 Siope Piukana, which leaves a big hole.
“Captain Patriah Kaliopasi will shift to No.8 and I’m confident he’ll get the job done. We also have two debutants — winger Kynan Kiwara and lock William Jr Mafua — and I’m looking to see how they go.”
OBM have made some changes including the player-coach Dillon Dolman-Tuhou making his return on the right wing.
“Hopefully we will increase the pace of the game as our fitness kicks in,” Dolman-Tuhou said.
Fourth-placed Ngatapa are aiming to get one over second-placed hosts Waikohu.
Ngatapa are another team with a relatively young side but have buckets of experience in the likes of Poverty Bay prop Campbell Chrisp and fellow forward Dan Law.
In the backline, multi-talented first five Ricardo Patricio has been in great form and winger Anthony Karauria adds strength.
Waikohu also have experience in the likes of front-rowers Tulsa Kaui and Geoff Pari, second rower Matekairoa McGuire, skipper and openside flanker Kupu Lloyd and fellow flanker Adrian Wyrill.
Not to mention a powerful backline.
Waikohu player/coach Tane McGuire is looking for steady improvement from his side and stresses the importance of setting the foundation for this at training.
“The focus for us is turning up on Tuesdays and Thursdays and putting in the work.”
WAIKOHU: Tristen Morten, Geoff Pari, Tulsa Kaui, James Rutene, Matekairoa McGuire, Kimihia Matiaha, Kupu Lloyd (c), Adrian Wyrill, Mario Counsel, Tane McGuire, Latrell Walker, Jacob Leaf, Jesse Fleming, KC Wilson, Roy Horo. Res: Leonard Lloyd, Rama Kingi Te Are, Shannon Cameron, Punch Noanoa, Ethine Reeves, TBC, TBC.
NGATAPA: Campbell Chrisp, Ihaia Kerr, Sam Hudson, Haeora King, Dan Law, Peter Ifopo, James Law, Khian Westrupp, Archie Harding, Ricardo Patricio, Kairos Brooking-McClutchie, Anthony Karauria, Johny Millar, Manaia Ngata, Matt Snelling. Res: Tane Ruru, Ben Johnson, Jacob Storey, Jack Twigley, Ethan Angitoa, Benito Barry, Alex Bristow.
OBM:Juston Allen, Ngahiwi Manuel, Myles Lardelli-Muir, Jacob Cook, Harawira Kahukura, Blake Beard, Keanu Taumata, Rikki Terekia, Braedyn Grant, Brian Whaitiri-White, Puhi Tau, George Hooper, Mike Fox, Dillon Dolman-Tuhou, Feeftahn Brown-Terekia. Res: Lance Dickson, Costio Olive, Jayme Barnet, Josh Charles, Jordan Christie, Solomoni Rasari, Austin Brown.
PIRATES: Mango Halaifonua, Moui Paongo, Harmony Hauraki-Downes, Netani Seruwaqa, William Mafua, Viliami Mosaati, Alifereti Senivau, Patriah Kaliopasi (c), Fereti Sosene, Levi Fakatava (vc), Kynan Kiwara, Ale Paulo, Isaiah Lemaua, Andrew Tau, Mosese Bulicakau. Res: Moeakiola Mosaati, Toshio Paongo, Tesimoni Taliauli, Setefano Tolu, Faueti Vailea, Tupousau Haupeakui, Viane Tuala.
