Rugby: Champions target danger duo in final

Defending champions Mid Western will target Wellsford duo Rene Ranger and dynamic fullback Matt Wright in their quest for a back-to-back premier rugby title this weekend.

The teams square off in the crowning match tomorrow and while Wellsford already boast the best defensive record of all Northland teams, Mid Western will hope for a repeat of last year's emotionally-charged final.

In Maungaturoto, Waipu and Premier wooden spoon holders Otamatea clash in the promotion relegation series, with the former eyeing a spot in the top grade next season.

But all attention will be on the premier final where a big crowd is expected from both camps.

"As long as our forwards can match what they did on Saturday, it will go a long way to competing well against them," Mid Western coach Simon Cauty said, referring to his team's win against Mid Northern 15-10 last weekend.

His team was the only side to beat Wellsford this season and Cauty said players would take a lot of confidence from that fact.

Two players, he said, could upset the apple cart if both played in the final.

"If we can contain Rene Ranger and their fullback Matt Wright ... he's pretty dangerous on the counter-attack and when he kicks, he kicks accurately.

"He scored three tries against us about a month ago and one was a brilliant solo effort so we don't wanna give him too much ball."

Cauty said their set piece, scrum and lineout, would need to be clinical if the forwards were to make an impact.

Preparation had been good, except a niggly injury to centre Brook Gilmore and Cauty was to have made a call on his availability last night.

In the promotion-relegation, Waipu coach Dusty Reader said star first five-eights Chris Smith's boot would come in handy during heavy ground conditions.

The 18-year-old superboot is the youngest in the squad and has racked up 269 points in 15 games, including 15 tries, 67 conversations and 20 penalties.

"We may have a few changes to our forward pack. Winning our own ball and exerting pressure on the opposition would be the key," he said.

Reader said his players needed to nudge close to the advantage line and within kicking range for Smith to kick over penalties.

"The conditions are not good so the last thing we want is a forward battle," he said.

Although the team are excited about playing in the final, Reader said they realised it would be a tough match

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