#SIRU2013 Round Thirteen Preview:
Competition for the Top Four really heats up this weekend with the higher ranked teams taking on their lower ranked counterparts. Albury and CSU are nearly guaranteed a place in the top tier of the 2013 Finals Series, but City, Aggies, Tahs and Griffith need all the points they can muster over the coming weeks if they want to play in the Premier Division Finals Series.
Again, it is hard to pick a Match of the Round this week and I’ve gone for the CSU v Waratahs match as it has the most potential to impact the top four. The Albury v Ag College rematch of 2012 GF will also be a good game of footy.
Premier Division:
Wagga City (3) v Griffith (6)
Another tough gig for the Blacks this weekend, another away game after a bruising encounter last weekend against the Steamers. Consistency is the key for the Blacks at this stage of the season, they need to brush themselves off and get back into it this weekend.
Wagga City need to continue working for the full 80mins, particularly given their position on the ladder. The Boiled Lollies are putting the pieces of the puzzle together at the moment and are in a position to keep working on their game plan this weekend. Strong backline running supported by their large forward pack has really assisted their game this year.
The set pieces will be interesting in this game, Wagga City have a very strong front row which will test the traditionally tough Griffith forward pack. Griffith have the size to match the City backline but will need to work hard for the duration of the match and avoid any defensive lapses if they are to come out on top.
Was that Justin Sheridan that was playing 2nd Grade on the weekend?
CSU (2) v Waratahs (5) – Match of the Round
Traditionally, these two clubs have a history of close matches particularly during a finals series or when points really matter and this game really matters to both clubs. A bonus point win to CSU here will guarantee themselves a spot in the Top Four and will go very close to guaranteeing a spot in the Top Two. This is miles from where even the most red-blooded CSU supporters thought their team would be sitting at this time of year.
Waratahs and City went dollar for dollar last week up until the 50-60min mark when City managed to come away with the win. The Waratahs forward pack play a strong game and support their backs well, but the team needs to focus together rather than working as two separate units. Jake Eaglesham leads well from the backrow and Tahs need him to link up with Dave Bowden to nullify the CSU attack this weekend.
CSU’s biggest strength this year has been their ability to play as a team for 80mins. Yes they have a classy 10 in Paul Hood and genuine speed in “2013 Rookie of the Year” Brett Wendt, but the majority of their games have been won on (or very close to) the final whistle. This is the threat that CSU pose to the Premier Division and is very difficult to nullify, they score most of their points from inside their own half of the field and that one mis-read in defence 60m out from your try line can really cost you against these guys.
My mail tells me that both sides will be understrength for this match which might impact the style of play that these teams take into this match.
Albury (1) v Ag College (4)
The rematch of the 2012 GF. I don’t think any punters would have tipped the scales in favour of Albury as much as they have fallen for the 2013 season, in fact most pundits were wary about what would happen to the Steamers – they’ve definitely come back with a vengeance haven’t they!
Although Aggies have slipped this year, the signs are there that they are starting to grind their way back into contention this season. Their season has been marred by injuries which have not helped their cause so far this year. I would expect Ag College to start firing from here on in, maybe not this week, but from what I’ve heard they are starting to gel a bit more than they have s to date.
Albury will need to treat Aggies with respect this weekend, one of the biggest dangers that the Steamers face at this time of year could be complacency. I don’t know of any complacency creeping into their games (and their results certainly don’ reflect it!) but I believe being undefeated can be a real danger for any team.
Wet weather footy will play into the hands of the Steamers, particularly down at Murrayfield where the cricket pitch bogs up quickly in the wet.
First Division:
Tumut (10) v Coota (8)
This match is being played on Sunday this weekend to promote the Tumut Junior’s Gala Day which they are hosting this round and is surely going to be an exciting hit-out for both teams. Looking forward to the Finals, this match is a potential Week One preview which will be worth keeping an eye on. Coota managed a 2pt win in Round Four when these two sides faced off and I’m sure the Bulls will be keen to replicate their form from that game and turn around the result in their favour.
Temora (7) v Deniliquin – 2nd Grade Only
Young (11) v Leeton (9)
The poor old Yabbies are hurting this season and are probably in the position where they need to keep working together as a group in preparation for 2014. Having said that, the Phantom’s have been up and down a bit this year and may need to be on their toes away from home.
