Bay of Plenty rugby league grand final spot up for grabs

Ngongotahā's Tai Kapua makes a run against Pacific when the sides met earlier this season. Photo / File

The Ngongotahā Chiefs have been in hot form this season, but lose to Pacific on Saturday and their season is over.

Ngongotahā finished second in the round-robin, meaning they faced first-placed Mangakino in the first round of playoff matches last weekend.

A 26-18 loss means they now play Pacific, who finished third and beat Otumoetai last week, for a place in the grand final.

The sides have met twice this season. In round one Pacific were convincing 42-28 winners, but when they played again it was Ngongotahā who came out on top 34-30.

Ngongotahā coach Paul Nahu said his players knew what they needed to improve on from last week's loss to Mangakino and were excited about the challenge ahead.

"We had a really good session on Tuesday, it was quite a physical game last week so there're a few little knocks that we've just got to get over. They're disappointed about last week's result, which is a good thing, they want to improve on their own performances and they're pretty ken to get out there.

"The players have had a good look at themselves and a lot of them thought they could've performed better as individuals, so they're hoping to prove that in this coming game."

He said, to beat Pacific, his side would have to do "everything" well.

"They're a very strong club and they have been for a long time, so they've got a lot of experience in terms of knockout football, they'll be really prepared. This time of the year, especially this game, it's sudden death so everything's on the line."

With both sides getting a win over the other this season, it would be hard to pick a winner.

"They would've improved a lot since we beat them and, to be fair, we've improved a lot since that game as well. Like I've said all season, it's been a really strong competition, there's been no real easy game and there are quite a few teams who can beat anyone on their day. It's the same again this week."

He hoped to see plenty of supporters at Puketawhero Park today."It was a great crowd last week over in Mangakino, so it should be a good crowd this weekend over here as well."