Rugby: Whaka given hard word ahead of must-win clash

Whakarewarewa player Eru Wano and his side must improve performances in tomorrow's game against fellow league strugglers Opotiki.

Whakarewarewa must "improve in all areas of the field" this weekend, according to the premier side's head coach.

The side take on fellow strugglers Opotiki on home turf at Puarenga Park tomorrow.

The pressure is most definitely on after Whaka lost their fourth game on the trot, with a disappointing 45-18 defeat to Whakatane Marist Premiers last weekend.

Head coach Kopae Irihei described the loss as "unacceptable" and despite going into the game two places above their opponents believes it will be another hard fought game.

"Out of all our defeats this season, last week's was the most disappointing by far," said Irihei.

"At least in the other matches we were able to compete and just missed the mark on the finish line, but we looked completely mismatched against Marist. The players didn't turn up and it wasn't on.

"Our whole game needs to improve, and we have to have a big turnaround. We can't take anything for granted just because Opotiki aren't doing too well themselves. A game like this could turn a club's season around."

Club president Robert Rika agreed.

"The boys need to put the grit back into the jersey. It wasn't a good display, but we put it in the past, get some pride back because there is a tough road ahead. Hopefully Saturday can be a turning point for us."

Opotiki come into the game on the back of a crushing 43-3 home defeat to Greerton Marist who leap frogged them into ninth after the victory.

"Just because Opotiki are regarded as a minor team in the league, that means nothing. I want to see our pack working well and we must make sure we secure the ball in the line outs and set plays," said Irihei.

"Also the backs need to be clinical. It is a massive game and we owe it to the fans to step up and improve."

Tomorrow's draws

Baywide Premier: 2.45pm kick-off

- Greerton Marist v Arataki Premiers, Greerton Park 1
- Rangataua Premiers v Paroa Premiers, Te Ariki Park 1
- Rotoiti Premiers v Whakatane Marist Premiers, Emery Park 1
- Te Puke Sports Premiers v Mount Maunganui Premiers, Murray Salt Stadium 1
- Te Puna Premiers v Tauranga Sports Premiers, Maramatanga Park 1

Baywide Division 1: Kick off 1pm

- Kahukura v Judea, Kuirau Park 1
- Marist St Michael v Poroporo , Marist Park 1
- Ngongotaha v Papamoa, Ngongotaha Domain 1
- Ruatoki v Waikite, Tuhoe Park 1
- Te Teko v Katikati, Dunderdale Park 1