Portland looking to pass big defensive test

While Portland are not expecting miracles in tomorrow's clash with Takahiwai, coach Craig Bird said he hoped his side would be competitive.
"We don't want to get whipped like last time," Bird said about Portland's 64-12 loss to the rugby league giants.
Whangarei City and Districts 2008 premiers Takahiwai have continued to dominate this year's league competition, now in the second round, and remain unbeaten, despite a close call last weekend with Moerewa - Takahiwai held on to win 28-24.
A lot has changed within the Portland side, however, including an improved defensive game, which Bird said would be key to staying competitive against Takahiwai's attacking flair.
"We will need a big defensive effort which will be led by hooker Justin Paniora and second-rower Tai-Gage Nepia," he said.
"They run the defence along with our centres Dave Lees and Herk Henare, who are a big part of our defensive pattern."
More than anything, Bird said, it was a chance for Portland to measure themselves against the table leaders.
"They are number one for a reason and it will be a good way to judge where we are at this far into the season," he said.
"If we don't lift our game, we will get whipped."
Also up for grabs is the Pitman Trophy, a cross-club whanau trophy, contested every time the two teams play each other.
Portland held the cup after defeating Takahiwai in round two last year, but lost it to Takahiwai in round one.
Takahiwai coach Mark Freeman said he was not taking Portland lightly knowing Bird's troops wanted the cup back at their club.
"I can guarantee they [Portland] will be a test for us, they could lose all year but this is the game they want," he said.
Freeman said the flu had taken its toll on the Takahiwai camp earlier this week and it was not known how many players would be out for tomorrow's  match.
"But we will be putting the best possible team on the field," he said.
"It's the second round now and I won't be putting players on just for the sake of giving them a run."
The two sides kick off at 2.30pm at Portland, while City Knights host Hikurangi, Moerewa travel to Kaikohe and Bay Slayers host Wairoa.
Meanwhile, Bird said he was looking forward to attending the international games course on Sunday at Moerewa Rugby League Club, a coaching clinic run by Freeman and New Zealand Rugby League's coaching and development manager, Dennis Ward.
"I look up to guys like him and I plan to learn as much as possible off him about the game," Bird said.
Freeman said the course was essentially the old level one coaching certificate, and qualified coaches, educating them on different aspects of league.
Ten coaches were attending the course, while two weeks ago 12 schoolboys coaches attended another clinic and qualified - a bonus for the regional game, Freeman said.