It's do-or-die for Hikurangi and Takahiwai Warriors who line up in Whangarei City and Districts preliminary final at Jubilee Park this Saturday.
It has been a tumultuous season for all teams in this year's competition, but even more so for reigning premiers Takahiwai - undefeated after round one but then crippled
by multiple injuries which saw their winning streak end.
Last week's major semifinal against Moerewa was no different when Takahiwai were thumped 24-4 by a cohesive and tighter Tiger's outfit with only two players on the bench.
Coach Mark Freeman said the team was carrying several injuries and he would not know until training tonight if there would be more numbers on the bench.
"We have been decimated this season," Freeman said.
"We had a good run last year - the guys came back at the right time but that hasn't happened this year. Every time we get someone back, we lose someone else."
Even if Takahiwai can rally up depth on the bench, it will be a tough job to hush a very confident Hikurangi side who triumphed over Portland last week 20-14.
"Hikurangi is probably the most improved team this season," Freeman said.
"Joe (Rau, Hikurangi coach) did a great job with them."
Hikurangi manager Jim Lees was extremely pleased with how his side stepped up against Portland but he was slightly wary about Saturday's game against the premiers.
"Takahiwai have gone off the boiler, but it's semifinals and anyone can put their foot to the floor," he said.
Kick-off is 2.30pm. The winner will play Moerewa on August 15.
