Rugby: Whaka 'buzzing' ahead of semis

Whaka are in search of a spot in the Baywide premier grand final this weekend. Pictured is Whaka player Wade Pereira in action

Whakarewarewa will head into their semifinal match against Te Puke as underdogs, but Whaka coach Kopae Irihei believes past results will count for little when the two teams meet in Te Puke.

Irihei said they were in a similar position last year when they defeated the higher-ranked Tauranga Sports to make the final in the Baywide premier rugby competition.

"I keep reflecting on last year when we played Tauranga Sports in the semifinal and we had previously lost to them on both occasions that season," he said.

"We went into that game knowing it was a one-off game and that is what semifinals and finals are all about."

Kopae said there had been a real buzz around the club this week and they had confidence they could topple undefeated Te Puke.

Whaka just made the semifinals after leap-frogging Rotoiti into fourth place during the last round of the regular season last weekend.

"It was probably the most exciting Tuesday training we have had in a while," Kopae said.

"We have not had that many numbers on a Tuesday in a while, everyone knows the importance of this game."

Kopae said Te Puke had a quality forward pack while Whaka's strength was their backline.

"Te Puke have a big forward pack, probably the best pack in the Bay," he said.

"They do a lot of rolling mauls and try and entice sides to come around the side or collapse them, to get better field position or kick at goal. Our pack is well aware of the battle they are up against ... but our strength has been our backs."

Two of the Whaka backs, Te Rangi Fraser and Whaimotu Craft-Chemis, were named in the Steamers last weekend, while captain Doug Edwards is another key player in their backline.

Kopae said Craft-Chemis had recovered well from injury and was playing well.

"We are quite lucky we have no injuries, we have a full squad to pick from," he said.

"In the last three weeks, Whai has been running like he did last year and scoring some spectacular tries, and if he is not scoring he is setting them up."

He said the Whaka faithful had organised vans to travel over and get behind their team tomorrow.

Whaka and Te Puke have only met once this season with Te Puke winning that match 64-22 at Puarenga Park.