Arorangi Bears will be focused on playing smart at today’s match against the Panthers at Raemaru Park in Arorangi today.

Playing at their home ground and focusing on winning this match at the Rarotonga Club 15’s Competition is what the Bears are aiming for.

After being defeated in their first game against Avatiu Nikao Eels last week at a close hard-fought match, Arorangi Bears are ‘hungry for a win’ on their home ground.

Arorangi Bears Tavake Karika said last week’s match was a close game but they didn't give up until the last play even when the hooter had gone.

“It always the case, the first game of the season is always a bit unorganised when players come late to training as the results show.”

He said a lesson learnt from their end and now they just needed to organise themselves around their set pieces and go forward.

He said they heard the Tupapa team do have a good forward pack.

“As a host team we have to accommodate their pack and play smart rugby. 

It should be an exciting game to watch as we are hungry for a first win on our ground,” he added.

In the Women’s 10s Competition Lady Panthers will face the Bears at 3.30pm.

Lady Panthers Team manager Julieanne Westrupp looking back at last week’s match against TKV Red said both teams played well considering transitioning from league to union. 

She said TKV definitely had a good team but maybe lacked some leadership talent. 

“But to be able to have TKV back in the game is definitely a bonus in itself for women’s rugby.”

She said they were short this week due to players’ commitment to the Pacific Games and losing veteran yet experienced players like herself and young up and coming Tashi Kopu leaves a gap in experience and speed.

She said today they will take a different approach and play a more structured game where by letting the ball do the work and not take it into contact for at least as possible. 

“We understand Arorangi has the numbers therefore will beat us in that area but we hope with players such as Jame Gotty, Rima Browne and Kiana Tua Sword we will be able to stretch our fitness mentality to our advantage. 

“We aren't expecting anything too fancy and it is only our 2nd game of the season so we are still in a growing stage.”

She added: “We are just happy and grateful that our village is being represented by these ladies and they get the opportunity to have game time as some of them are trialling for a spot in the 7s or 9s teams for Pacific Games.”

Meanwhile on Friday, Rarotonga Club 15’s defending champions Avatiu Nikao Eels won their second match yesterday as they defeated Titikaveka Bulls 35 -8 at Raemaru Park, Arorangi.

Matches at Raemeru Park, Arorangi.

Today: Arorangi Bears v Tupapa Panthers- 4pm

Lady Bears v Lady Panthers -3.30pm

U19 Bears vs Avatiu Eels – 2pm

U14/12 Boys, U13 Girls / U10 Boys - Junior Development – 12.30pm