Northland eye win to push for a home semi

Halfback Jono Kitto will start for Northland against Waikato at Okara Park. Photo / Michael Cunningham

'Tis the time to be jolly, time to talk about Mitre 10 Cup knockout rugby and visualise Northland hosting a semifinal in front of loud Taniwha fans.

'Because if they can pip the highly-fancied Waikato at Okara Park tomorrow then notch another win against plucky Bay of Plenty in Tauranga on Saturday week, that visual thought will turn into a reality.

The only difference, though, will be whether or not the Taniwha get to host an elimination round later this month and all will depend on how many points they can squeeze from their remaining two matches.

Get this right— Northland will have to finish in the top four to qualify for the semis, irrespective of where they get to play.

Sitting third with 21 points on the Championship ladder, it's safe to assume they'll be in the playoffs mix even if they manage just one win - with or without a bonus point.

Fifth-placed Bay of Plenty drifting on 11 points plus the Taniwha having a week-long turnaround before their last game help Northland's cause only if they keep winning.

The Mooloos, despite three earlier losses, are top of the Championship table for a reason and Northland will make a massive statement that all sporting contests are built on a foundation of unpredictability should they win tomorrow.

To beat the champions you have to play like champions and the Springboks showed just that in Wellington not long ago.

With firepower right across the park, Waikato play with such an overt desperation that inevitably begins to carry a sense of intimidation.

In Fijian wing Sevu Reece and halfbacks Brad Weber and Jack Stratton, they have players with such sheer speed and awareness they could create space in a phone box.

But they do what Waikato teams have done for years by looking to their forwards.

The Taniwha welcome back from injury abrasive loose forward Tom Robinson who, alongside openside Kara Pryor, will be key at set piece particularly at the breakdown.

Northland mentor Derren Witcombe couldn't have been clearer when he said the breakdown and defence would be their key areas of focus.

"Being able to hang on to the ball and defensive one-on-one tackles. Waikato are a good team and we're not taking them lightly but the focus is on getting our game right.

"We're focused on putting on a good performance in front of our fans who we thank for their support. Please come out and watch the boys in action as we thrive off good home support.

"Hopefully it's not our last home game as our goal is to play in a home semi (final) and that will happen if we win our next two games. It's about winning games so we need to be at our best. Our focus is on playing well this weekend," said the former All Blacks hooker.

Renata Roberts-Te Nana, son of legendary New Zealand Sevens rep Karl Te Nana, slots in at left wing in place of an injured Scott Gregory while Jono Kitto will start at halfback.

Regular captain Matt Moulds and props Isileli Tu'ungafasi and Ropate Rinakama complete the front row whereas Josh Goodhue and Murray Douglas form the locking combination.

Robinson, Pryor and Matt Matich are the loose forward trio, Jack Debreczeni at No 10, Blake Hohaia and Rene Ranger resume their midfield partnership and Jordan Hyland retain his favourite right wing berth.

Matty Wright will be the last man down.

Regan Verney, Jone Macilai, Ross Wright, Jack Straker, Scott Gregory, and Kane Jacobson.

The match kicks off at 2.35pm.

The curtain raiser between Northpower and Police starts at 12.15pm followed by rippa rugby at 1.50pm.

Northland team to play Waikato at Okara Park
1). Isileli Tu'ungafasi
2). Matt Moulds
3). Ropate Rinakama
4). Josh Goodhue
5). Douglas Murray
6). Tom Robinson
7). Kara Pryor
8). Matt Matich
9). Jono Kitto
10). Jack Debreczeni
11). Renata Roberts Te-Nana
12). Blake Hohaia
13). Rene Ranger
14). Jordan Hyland
15). Matty Wright