Killer instinct needed to prevent Sharks going adrift

Western Sharks are hoping that their strong form at home will continue when Wellsford come calling at RD1 Park in Dargaville tomorrow.
The Sharks sit in sixth place on the Southern Districts Premier division table and a loss against third-placed Wellsford could see them drift out of play-off contention.
Sharks captain David Pullman said the match against Wellsford was the first of several important matches facing the team in the coming weeks.
"We've got matches against all the top teams coming up so it's time for us to front up and take control of our season," he said.
The match will feature two of the better forward packs of the competition but it may be in the backline that the game is won.
"It should be a good battle up front because their forward pack was similar to ours in the first round but our backs have improved since then and are playing good, so if they get clean ball then it should be pretty even I'd say," Pullman said.
He said a good second-half performance against Old Boys last week had put them in a positive frame of mind for the build-up to the match.
"I think using our fresh reserves were again the key to winning that game ... and we're expecting to have 22 players available this weekend so, hopefully, they'll have the same effect again," he said.
Both camps agree the venue could affect the result.
"They don't like coming up to Shark Park and home advantage should be worth a few points to us," Pullman said.
Wellsford coach Haydn Ferris said he had noticed that the travel had taken an extra toll on teams this year.
"I think we're finding more than in previous seasons that the away teams are tending to struggle ... and we've been touched up out there a couple of times over the last few seasons, so we'll have to be on top of our game," he said.
"I'm expecting another tough forward battle but our backs are down on firepower and they've been able to beef up that area I've heard, so I imagine it's going to be a fairly even game."
Halfback Matt Wright and utility back Jojo Ranger will have to pass fitness tests this week before they are considered for the match.
Wellsford's backs were the difference in their 27-14 home win over the Sharks in the first round but Ferris isn't relying on the same happening again tomorrow.
"They've been steadily improving and they've already knocked over a couple of the top teams so they're definitely going to be a challenge."
On recent form, Waipu will struggle when they host Mid Northern tonight under lights at Caledonian Park, while Hora Hora should beat Kamo at Hora Hora Park.
The other two premier matches could be closer, with Marist hosting Hikurangi at Kensington Park and Mid Western host an improving Whangarei Old Boys at Maungakaramea.