Joeys travel away for the fifth consecutive game to face Shore at the pie lovers favourite ground at Northbridge.
Following the frustration of their 31-all draw at Scots, the visitors will come ready to continue the first half dominance they have provided in every game this year so far, but will need to avoid the second half fades that have marked their season to date.
Shore, although well beaten by Kings last week, showed that with enough possession they have the talent to score points, with No. 10 (Whatley) showing plenty of skill and footwork, ably supported by talented fullback (Klem) and an energetic link man in the 7 jersey (Le Maître). If the locals can tighten up their defence they will feel they have the game smarts that can apply a second half blowtorch to make the Joeys boys nervous. Key man will be their No. 4 (Mccreery) to help the Shore pack repel the Joeys surges.
For Joeys, this week they have had bad news with a major ankle injury to their key No. 12, Oscar Jorgensen, whose syndesmosis injury will require surgery and a return to play in term 3. He will join No. 8 Eamon Doyle as a frustrated observer on the sideline for the next 5 weeks, and likely much of the rep season beyond. Fortunately for Joeys, their depth in the midfield means Hunter Fogarty comes up to wear the 12 jersey. For all Joeys will lose in midfield brute force, they will gain an experienced and energetic ball player who will provide opportunities for those around him.
The rest of the team remain unchanged, and the forward pack will be keen to assert physical dominance in contact, led by second rows Mangelsdorf and Greer. It is hard to recall a more brutal half of GPS rugby than the first 35 mins last week at the Death Star. Whether they can get themselves up for a repeat dose and maintain the rage for the second half will decide if an upset is truly on the cards.