Whakawerawera has its eyes firmly on continuing its promising start to the Bayfair Baywide Premier Rugby competition ahead of facing Opotiki for the second time this season.

Sitting top of the standings with two wins and nine points, along with Te Puke Sports, Whakawerawera make the trip to Opotiki for round three of the competition in what is being billed a torrid battle between the two.

Whakarewarewa players try to tackle a Ngati Hangarau player. Photo: File

Both teams will already have some inside knowledge on each other after deciding to bring their second game forward to last month with Whakawerawera running out 48-0 victors.

Opotiki currently occupies 7th spot on the table after getting past Te Puna 24-13 in the opening round.

Whakawerawera senior coach, Ngarimu Simpkins is expecting a 'pirate battle” against Opotiki despite the convincing first up win.

'We know it's going to be a good game at the fortress of Princess Street Reserve. We expect no easy yards and are ready for a really tough battle,' says Simpkins.

Opotiki senior coach Mike Smith wants his charges to compete better upfront and at the breakdown after previously being dismantled by their opponents.

'We're looking forward to hosting them this time and showing them our hospitality both on and off the field,” says Smith. The game is being played at Princess Street Reserve, Opotiki at 2.45pm.

This Saturday's draw:

Development Kick off 1.00pm

Premier Kick off 2.45pm

Opotiki v Whakarewarewa at Princess Street Reserve Rotoiti v Mount Maunganui at Emery Park Rangataua v Te Puke Sports at Te Ariki Park Greerton Marist v Rangiuru at Greerton Park Tauranga Sports v Te Puna at Tauranga Domain