Rugby: Whaka face tough away clash

Whakarewarewa's Whaimotu Craft-Chemis has been in great form this season. Craft-Chemis and Whaka travel to Opotiki this weekend. Photo / Ben Fraser

Opotiki and Whakarewarewa will face off for the second time this season during round three of the Baywide premier rugby competition.

Tomorrow Whaka will look to continue their perfect start to the season that has seen them win their opening three games.

Opotiki and Whaka met this year in a match Whaka won 48-0 in Rotorua. It was scheduled to be played much later in the season but both teams agreed to move it forward.

Tomorrow's game will be a different story as the two teams play off at Opotiki's home ground of Princess Street Reserve.

"We know it's going to be a good game at the fortress of Princess St Reserve," Whaka coach Ngarimu Simpkins said. "We expect no easy yards and are ready for a really tough battle."

Whaka have only conceded one try this season and will be hard to break down tomorrow.

Opotiki coach Mike Smith said they would try to improve from their last outing against the Rotorua side.

"We want to compete better upfront and at the breakdown where Whaka were pretty good. We're looking forward to hosting them this time and showing them our hospitality both on and off the field."

The game starts at 2.45pm in Opotiki.

Rotorua's other premier team Rotoiti will have a tough match against Mount Maunganui at Emery Park.

Rotoiti bounced back well last weekend, after losing to Whaka in round one, to defeat newly-promoted Rangiuru 51-13.

After the big win, Rotoiti coach Kevin Lee said they would get a good gauge of where they are at when they host Mount Maunganui. The match is being played at Emery Park at 2.45pm.

Baywide draw (Premier games start at 2.45pm and development games start at 1pm):

Opotiki v Whakarewarewa, Princess St Reserve; Rotoiti v Mount Maunganui, Emery Park; Rangataua v Te Puke Sports, Te Ariki Park; Greerton Marist v Rangiuru, Greerton Park; Tauranga Sports v Te Puna, Tauranga Domain.