Waikite's Noi Elmiger fends off an opponent during a game against Whakarewarewa earlier this year. Photo / File
Waikite's Noi Elmiger fends off an opponent during a game against Whakarewarewa earlier this year. Photo / File
After having Queen's Birthday weekend off, the Baywide women's rugby teams will be raring to go this weekend.
On Sunday, Waikite may have their work cut out for them when they host Rangiuru who have steamrolled every opponent put in front of them so far this season.
Waikite coach Shane Wilson said the weekend off was "a bit of a momentum killer" after his side picked up their first win of the season against Matata the week before. He said facing Rangiuru would be a good challenge.
"It's a big mountain to climb for our ladies. We need to just tackle and not let the ball go wide. Once the ball goes wide everyone seems to be falling to pieces.
"Possession will definitely be important, they have Christie Yule there and we know around the ball she'll turn it over straight away," Wilson said.
While he knew this weekend's game would be a challenge, he said it was always good to go up against the best.
"It'll be a big ask for them going up against Rangiuru, with the number of Bay of Plenty players they have in their team. But, you get a good gauge going up against the best, it's a good way to see where you're at and where you need to get to."
Rangiuru's head coach, Jimi McLean, said accuracy and execution would be a key focus for his side.
"Execution needs to be on song for the full 80 minutes from our set-piece to our work at the breakdown and with ball in hand. Accuracy follows as a matter of course, therefore if we become inaccurate the execution fails," McLean said.
He wanted his forward pack to deliver a strong game up front to allow his backline to create opportunities out wide.
"I've asked our forwards to front up against Waikite this weekend. We have some exciting backs, but you need to earn the right to go wide. Our forwards need to bring some physicality through the middle to draw in defenders, hopefully opening up space in the wider channels. We need to maximise opportunities we get with ball in hand.
"We will give Waikite the utmost respect this weekend for the champion team we know they are, in saying that we also discussed the need to focus on us and improving on our game. Respect Waikite but don't get distracted from what we want to achieve this weekend," he said.
Whakarewarewa's Hinearo Wall charges up field against Rangataua. Photo / File
Meanwhile, Whakarewarewa travel to Waimana for what is shaping up as a close contest.
Coach Ron James said he expected a competitive game.
"We need to get our set-piece right, I think they have quite a big forward pack so if we can get our set-piece right I think we'll be sweet," James said.
He said the positive he took from Whakarewarewa's 50-31 loss to Rangataua a fortnight ago was the number of tries they scored.
"I thought our scrum was competitive too and we had a few girls out who will be back this weekend.
"We're still sorting out combinations and looking at these next three games as a chance to really consolidate and be ready for the second round."
Rotoiti's search for a first win of the season continues with a trip to Matata.
Baywide Premier Women's Draw Sunday Kickoff: 1pm Matata v Rotoiti at Richmond Park Waikite v Rangiuru at Bellvue Road Waimana v Whakarewarewa at Waimana Domain Rangataua – Bye
