Vis-a-vis Riverview Joeys I predict a Joeys win. In general the intensity/hype surrounding most Riverview-Joeys games create a scenario whereby the underdog outperforms expectations. There are very rarely score blow outs (there are obviously exceptions) despite the fact that they are predicted fairly frequently. Consequently, I think the majority of the game will be quite close but Joeys could end up winning by a respectable margin as a result of points accumulated towards the end of the game.
I am going to go out on a limb here, but I wouldn't be surprised if the game followed these lines (I could be completely wrong):
A. Joeys score consecutively (probably a penalty goal then a try, or some sort of combination like that) somewhat early on. The crowd starts to expect View to capitulate as per predictions.
B. View score of a semi-fortuitous break (i.e. get some space, soft try out wide, or something like that). In general Joeys have most of the momentum.
C. Joeys score again consecutively to further widen the gap.
D. For the rest of the game its an arm wrestle with Riverview playing catch up.
E. Towards the back end of the game it's close enough that Riverview supporters are starting to think 'maybe', until Joeys score to put the result beyond reach.
F. Joeys might score again late in the game so the scoreline ends up being a bit larger than it otherwise would have been (maybe 12 - 15 points).
Just have too much in the forwards for Riverview I suspect. Riverview's set piece has looked good in the trials, but their work at the breakdown was a little off at times, and I think the large/well-drilled Joeys pack will edge them out in the physical, and perhaps technical, areas.
Riverview have good backs, as everyone knows, but they do have vulnerabilities. With McGregor pulling the strings they'll have a bit more direction, and perhaps be able to create/relieve pressure to a greater extent than in the trials, but in both games I saw backline organisation, kicking (and whatever else a fly-half does) was not an issue, and certainly not a factor in the Riverview team losing.
Wright will be very difficult to stop, I'm expecting a big one from him.
Whatever the case, I'm certain it'll be an enthralling contest. Having lost to Riverview's Senior A debating team in the ISDA Octos I'm certain Joeys will have a bone to pick (as they always do). An interesting contest-within-a-contest will be the tussle between the supporters. Will Riverview's crowd be able to rise to the high standards of pageantry, spirit and vocal intensity they achieved at the GPS aths? Or will the ban on the drum - as well as the advantage the grandstand gives the HH boys - provide Joeys with the opportunity they need to reign in the Blue and White?
Can't wait.
P.S. George Grant's optimism about Riverview gives his allegiances away. I expected more objective reporting Lee! To be fair last year's speculator predicted Riverview too - I don't doubt he has Blue and White affiliations.