Two of the best performing clubs from the opening three weeks of McNamara Cup action run into each other in the Counties Power Game of the Week on Saturday.

Defending champions Ardmore Marist South Auckland Motors, fresh from reaching triple figure scoring last week, meet the also-undefeated Pukekohe Mitre 10 side at Pulman Park.

Ardmore Marist have been the stand out team in the union the past couple of seasons and their early season form will have many coaches worried. Their 106-0 win over Waiuku Brian James Contracting was as dominant a win as there has been in recent seasons.

The depth of the Ardmore Marist side is stronger than any other club at present and they have semi-professional players scattered throughout their line-up.

Head Coach Doug Sanft has the tough job of trying to figure out who to slot into his team each week.

While he studies video of opponents’ previous games Sanft thinks the main goal at present is to work on his own team’s structures.

“The first round is all about us and what we are trying to achieve,” he explained. “In the second round we will try to analyse other teams and see what they are trying to do a bit more.”

Sanft has had a look at the Pukekohe side that he will face this week and has been impressed with what he’s seen.

“They’ll be quite physical,” Sanft said. “There are some big boys in that team so we will have to come up and match them with that physicality.”

Pukekohe had a first up bye but have won back-to-back matches against semi-final teams from last season and will be eager to test themselves against the defending champions.

Coach Sean Polwart wants his side to improve its discipline, which nearly cost them a win over Patumahoe last week.

“That is the benchmark but again we have to concentrate on our own game,” Polwart said. “If we give away that many penalties again we wont give ourselves a chance will we?

“So focussing on what we need to fix and then I’m sure Ardmore Marist will present as big a challenge if not bigger again this week.”

Polwart represented Auckland and the Blues during his playing career and is in his debut season as head coach of Pukekohe. He has been impressed by the standard of the local competition.

“It is a tough schedule and that is the great thing about this Counties competition. I used to play in the Auckland comp and you might have five or six tough games but here it seems every week is a tough challenge.

“There are no target games – every game has to be a target.”

The Counties Power Cup will be on the line after Pukekohe lifted it from Patumahoe last week.

The Ross Roof Group Premier 2 team take on a tough Pukekohe side this Saturday at 1pm on field 7.  They will be looking to be more consistent in their execution and be more connected at the breakdown this week.  This side is going well under the coaching watch of Suliasi Taufalele and Carwyn Chase and promises much as the round progresses.

The Blacksmith Eatery & Bar Premier Women welcome East Coast Bays at home this weekend and kick off their season at 2.45pm on field 7.  Coach Brent Krone is looking forward to geting the ladies on the park and is excited at the opportunity to get their competition underway.

Our new team entry this season is playng in the Premier 3 competition and kick off their season a 2.45pm at Karaka.  

This team is an excellent opportunity for the club and will play the likes of Drury, Maramarua, and Te Kauwhata in the six team two round competition.

This Saturday also sees young loose forward Sione Tuipulotu play in his Premier 1 blaser game.  Sione will be awarded his blazer at the after match which begins after 5.30pm in the Teamsport Lounge.

Article added: Friday 29 March 2019 (Source CMRFU News)