St Albert's College off to a flyer

They scored a 24-nil shut out against Tamworth.

Coach Niel Van Der Linde was "happy" with the win but described it as a "scrappy" affair.

"In attack, our handling was not up to standard. I think the score line flattered us a bit; I think it was a bit closer than the score line said," he said.

He credited Tamworth and their effort.

"Tamworth are a tough team," he said.

"They told me they were missing a few blokes as well."

Like their college counterparts, Van Der Linde's side had limited preparation.

He pulled them together before the match to run through their game plan and then had to make some last minute changes.

"We had a training session that morning before the match," he said.

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"We had two blokes who were going to start but couldn't make it, a whole bunch of reserves who couldn't make it because they were still away.

"It will be the same again in June holidays, we play Tamworth over there and we will be the ones missing everyone."

They now move on to the Barbarians and while Van Der Linde hasn't heard much about their make up, he is expecting a greatly improved effort from their 2021 team.

"I am expecting to be a tougher opposition than last year," he said.

"We are preparing to face a pretty good team.

"I saw a little bit of them at the knockout, they were a bit better than they were last year.

"We are not underestimating them at all."

Albies also picked up several injuries against Tamworth and will go into the Barbarians clash slightly undermanned.

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