The long-term goal for every side in the Baywide Premier rugby competition is to finish in the top four and secure a spot in the semifinals.
After two rounds, Whakarewarewa and Rotoiti sit third and fourth respectively but both are well aware that it is early days.
The two Rotorua sides met last weekend, with Whakarewarewa winning 23-19 and claiming the Tai Mitchell Shield which Rotoiti had a firm grip on for more than a year.
Whakarewarewa are flying high after the win over their local rivals, but will be up against it when they travel to second-placed Te Puke. Both teams have won two from two in the second round.
Whakarewarewa coach Boxer Smith said a strong start to the second round had been a key focus for his side, but this weekend would provide a true test of how they were tracking.
"This is going to be the benchmark for us this weekend. Our focus has been to start this championship round well. We are currently two from two and we are trying to get a win again this weekend to consolidate our place in the top four, but also top two to get a home semi," Smith said.
He said his forward pack had been training hard after being exposed against Rotoiti.
"Rotoiti found our weakness in the scrum and that is something we have worked hard at this week in training. Our focus will be to shore up our scrum so we can target the set piece. If we can compete and win our own ball and make it hard for them then I think we will do well.
"We do know that Te Puke is very structured. They have big forwards and our hardest job will be to nullify their strengths and exploit their weaknesses."
