The season is on the line for two teams in New England Rugby as the competition heads into the final round.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
St Albert’s College need to beat the Barbarians to guarantee fourth place on the table while Tamworth will be hoping the students lose and they can secure a win against Armidale Blues to guarantee their spot.
Albies haven’t notched up a win since round four when they beat Tamworth by one point but coach Jas Lincoln said the side has been improving and he is confident that when they click on the field, a victory will come.
“For us, we have had a pretty disjointed season in first grade but we still know that we have got the calibre of player and skill set to be competitive but we just haven't been able to put it on the paddock this year,” he said.
“They [Baa Baas] have a big forward pack, big centres and they are really are pretty comprehensive across the field so we have got to really focus on our own game and focus on things that we have been doing at training.
“If we can put that on the paddock then we know we will be competitive against them.”
Lincoln said their defence has got to be better against the Barbarians.
“We also know that while we have been putting points on, we have also had a lot of points scored against us in every game so defence has been a massive issue for our first grade throughout this season,” he said.
“You are just not going to win games unless you can nullify points against you so that has been a huge focus for us.”
Their opponents are coming off back-to-back wins and are aiming for momentum heading into the finals.
Barbarians co-coach Greg Wynn is wary of a St Albert’s team vying for a semi-finals berth.
“I am pretty confident they [Albies] are playing well below what they believe to be their potential and mine also,” he said.
“They have a bit to prove this last game in particular to ensure their spot in the finals so we would be pretty foolish to be complacent against them this weekend I believe. -
“They will be working pretty hard to get the win.”
The other first grade match of the round will see ladder leaders Armidale Blues host Tamworth.
The last time the sides met, Tamworth toppled the Blues 26-12.
While their opponents sit at the bottom of the table, Armidale co-coach Luke Stephen said his team have to be at their best to finish with the win, and the minor premiership.
“A Tamworth side that has had our measure both times so it is important for us, and we spoke on Saturday about the desperation of the teams we are playing, and it is important for our own final aspriations that we play to our ability,” he said.
“You can only ever focus on what you are doing and we know what we didn't do well the last time we played Tamworth and it is up to the boys about going out there on Saturday and ensuring that we don't have a repeat.”