Champs will continue to attack
Defending champions Tukapa will not be altering their attacking style when they meet StratfordEltham in premier club rugby today.
The combined side caused an upset on the opening weekend of the season when they tipped up Tukapa 21-19 at Victoria Park.
Tukapa were guilty that day of not taking points when they were on offer and paid the price.
However, Tukapa co-coach Tim Stuck said they would be trying to use the ball as much as they can when they attempt to reverse that earlier result.
Simply, it would go against what they were trying to achieve and the fact they had scored 41 tries so far this season was proof they ‘‘were heading in the right direction’’ as they attempt to win back-to-back titles.
What Stuck and co-coach Laurence Corlett want to improve was the decision making by some individuals.
‘‘It’s just around when to throw the pass and when to try and offload,’’ Stuck said.
He had no problem if the players opted to attack from any area of the field if they saw an opportunity but he wants the work done first.
That meant committing enough players to the breakdown to stop Stratford-Eltham from disrupting their quick ball, something he expected would be a focus for the visitors to Sanders Park.
‘‘They are very confrontational and they are constantly in your face,’’ Stuck added. ‘‘It’s a big challenge and we have to be direct.’’
Stratford-Eltham have suffered
a real blow with the withdrawal of flanker Matthew Kissick with an elbow injury. Kissick has been in great form this season and must be in consideration for Taranaki’s Mitre 10 Cup squad.
Despite his loss, StratfordEltham have a pack to cause Tukapa problems and they have been bolstered by the return of lock Jack Jordan.
Elsewhere, Spotswood United could have an opportunity to break into the top four when they host Clifton at Yarrow Stadium.
A narrow win for Spotswood United over Inglewood last week should have given them some confidence but they still need to show continued improvement.
The same could be said of Clifton who have narrowly lost a number of games but still have the potential to push for a semifinal spot.
New Plymouth Old Boys will have a big test when they host competition leaders Coastal at
Vogeltown Park.
Coastal has set the standard when it comes to consistency this season and they would love nothing more than to come to New Plymouth and win this match.
They would start favourites to do it, as well, given they enjoyed a comfortable 34-19 win in the first round.
Southern and Inglewood should be desperate to try and keep their seasons on track when they meet in the remaining game in Hawera.
Both sides have struggled to win many games this season and the loser will fall behind the pack.