THE Shoals head into this weekend’s big clash with reigning premiers University full of confidence.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The side has just come through their hardest period of the season, where more than 10 first graders were unavailable, with a win and a bonus point.
Coach Mick Hayes said it positions the team well for the rest of the season.
“It was good to get out of that fortnight with win and bonus point, especially with us not playing our best rugby,” he said.
“Last Saturday’s game wasn’t pretty but great to get the result on Green Steam Day, which was a sensational day for all.
“But this week we welcome back five of the seven navy guys, which will no doubt bolster the side.”
With these inclusions, Hayes is planning on reshuffling his side.
“Paul Clements is out, after still carrying some sore ribs from last week, Hayes said.
“Josh Dennis will return to number 10 and Sam Watts will slide to number nine.
“Pym Evsy will play inside centre, with Elijah Ah Chong and Matt Spresser on the wings.
Hayes admits University will be tough but knows his team has to ability to cause an upset.
“University are a different ball game top Bowral, as they are one of the top teams,” he said.
“It’s always a tough ask, being one of premiership contenders, having not lost many of their squad from last season.
“We played poorly last week and still won, which is something that wouldn’t happen in previous years.
“But we can’t afford to do that against University.”
Five rounds in, Hayes said the time is now for his team to take that next step in progression.
“Now is the time for as to start developing more aspects of our game, build pressure and patterns of play with ball.
“We have to take the next stage of develop, after getting basics right in the early part of the season.
“Such as work certain plays in certain areas of the field, maintain possession, feed off that and build continuity.
“Our line-out and scrums have been particularly strong and we need to continue to build off them.”