#SIRU2013 Premier Division First Grade – Albury v Waratahs @ 3:45pm Conolly Park #1
by Sam Donelan
2013 has been the year of the Steamer in this area of the world, they have quite simply been the outstanding dominant force of the competition. Albury have swept all before them (except a close fright against the gallant CSU Reddies) as they rolled into the 2013 Grand Final with an impressive for and against of 893-129 (which is a statistic that is impossible to ignore coming into this game). With Albury driven by the loss of 2012, can Waratahs stand in their way?
Up front, the Steamers missed James Kora against CSU and they will be hoping that his hamstring (do props have hamstrings?) makes it through at least 40mins of the Grand Final. “House’s” ability to cement the set piece and provide a solid platform to their mauling game allows the Steamers backline to shine. His opposite numbers are going to have a lot on their plate in the Grand Final and will need to work hard to cover him
While the focus in 2013 has been on the try-scoring ability of the Steamers backline, one of their real strengths is in the forward pack. Players 1-8 for Albury have been together for a few years now and the experience and faith they have in each other is evident in their confident approach to the game.
Waratahs got off to a slow start to the season but are arguably hitting their straps at the right time of the year. Like Albury, they have a hard working forward pack that is starting to gel but Waratahs really need their forwards to fire on all cylinders on Grand Final day. Jock Munro leads his charges well from the front and he will need to bring his A game for Albury this week.
The Steamers inside backs have been very good all year and will create headaches for Waratahs from all areas of the field as Richard Manion, Mick Alexander and Justin Wheatley try to link up with the likes of James Olds out wide. Olds has had a stellar season this year on debut for Albury and is a dangerous player, particularly when counter-attacking.
Albury are blessed to have two very experience operators in Mick Alexander and Justin Wheatley in the centres who have that “big game” experience to bring to the table on Saturday. Keep an eye on these two “older gentlemen” as they will control the game through the middle and create opportunities outside them.
Waratahs new found form has a lot to do with 5/8 Euan Bonner who has been steering the Tahs around the park very well in recent weeks. His ability to relieve pressure through accurate tactical kicking and combination with Dan Selmes and Matt Binks will play a key role in how Waratahs perform against a fearsome Steamers outfit.
The Steamers game plan revolves around holding onto the footy and denying the opposition the chance to use the ball as they wish. While their rock star backline has been piling on the points, the Steamers support play is their strength. The Albury ball runners very rarely get isolated which allows players like Liam Krautz, Nathan Bright and Ryan Schiska to make metres through the middle off the back of strong support running from depth.
Waratahs have been playing a faster ruck game in recent weeks which has paid dividends for them in the latter stages of the season. If they can manage to keep the game up-tempo, they will put themselves in the best position possible for this game. This style of play will rely on the likes of Jack Aldus and Dylan Gault being on the ball in attack and defence all day.
Albury have the experience and runs on the board to go into this game as deserved favourites; but as we all know – anything can happen on Grand Final Day and past results count for nought at this time of year. I’m looking forward to seeing a strong contest at the breakdown and plenty of try scoring opportunities in the biggest game of 2013!
#SIRU2013 Grand Final kicks off at 3:45pm at Conolly Rugby Park, Wagga Wagga
Referee:Paul Dean
Albury Steamers: 1. Scott Meakins, 2. Jean-Laurent Pozzobon, 3. James Kora, 4. Dave Cooper-Dunn, 5. Ash Lefevre, 6. Ryan Schiska, 7. Liam Krautz, 8. Nathan Bright ©, 9. Sandy Middleton, 10. Richard Manion, 11. Ben Alexander, 12. Mick Alexander, 13. Justin Wheatley, 14. Blake Le Cornu, 15. James Olds, Coach. Dave Stuart
Wagga Waratahs: 1. Harry Cook, 2. Jock Munro ©, 3. Chris Murray, 4. Rob Meggison, 5. Kenny Baker, 6. Matt Meggison, 7. Dylan Gault, 8. Jack Aldus, 9. Sam Hobbs, 10. Euan Bonner, 11. John Andrews, 12. Dan Selmes, 13. Matt Binks, 14. Morgan Jones, 15. Steve Tracey, Coach. Hugh Palmer
