Impressive East Coast to press home advantage

East Coast intend to continue their impressive start to their second division NPC campaign when they meet winless King Country in Taupo today.

Currently third equal with Mid Canterbury, the Coast, promoted to the second tier this year, are confident, although acknowledging King Country will be desperate to secure a much-needed win at Owen Delany Park.

"We know they have bulk and skill up front so we will have to show plenty of mettle to contain them," coach Joe McClutchie said.

McClutchie was happy with his side's 31-24 win over Wanganui last weekend but said there were some areas that needed addressing.

"We have got to be sharper on defence and recycle the possession better.

"I will be asking my forwards once again to set up a solid platform and if they do then we should do well."

The only injury concern is second five-eighth Mitch Tihi, who suffered concussion last weekend and will be out for two weeks.

Lock Kele Leawere has a niggling knee injury but McClutchie was confident he would be available.

There are problems for Nelson Bays, who are fighting a flu virus that has hit the squad hard as they prepare for their game against Mid Canterbury in Nelson.

According to coach Bill Liddell, 14 of his squad have been hit by the virus, meaning only 12 players were fit enough to take part in training this week.

Samoan players, centre Joe Faaiu and lock Joe Mamea, have apparently been the worst affected, with Liddell and co-selector Garry Barkle likely to be forced into some 11th-hour decision-making.

"There could be guys on the field who are only 80 per cent fit and that's what worries me," Liddell said.

But he hoped there would be a significant recovery rate by kick-off, with he and Barkle originally planning to rotate several of his players.

Fitness willing, halfback Greg Stewart is expected to start in place of skipper Dion Mytton, with Chris Finch also taking over at fullback from Mark Milne.

Cory Holdaway has returned to the first team line-up after starting off the bench against King Country in Te Kuiti last weekend.

Liddell said the players were well aware of the rotational policies that would be used throughout the NPC campaign, but he was still looking for an "imposing" performance.

In today's other games, Manawatu are at home to Thames Valley, while Wanganui host Marlborough.

- NZPA