University Looking For Revenge In Clash With Shoalies

Illawarra Mercury

Saturday August 16, 2008

By TIM KEEBLE

UNIVERSITY suspect they have found a chink in the Shoalhaven armour heading into this afternoon's Illawarra rugby union duel at University Oval.

Second-placed Shoalhaven thrashed Uni 46-17 when they met at Nowra in May, but Shoalies coach Paul Mulready claimed the score "wasn't a true reflection of the game".

The Mallee Bulls had won six of seven games before last week's narrow loss to Shamrocks and coach Sean Tolich said his side's confidence had not been dented.

"We had two weeks off before the game and were a bit rusty, but we scored three tries apiece with Shamrocks and should be a lot better for the run," Tolich said.

"This weekend is a big challenge for us.

"It was by far our worst performance of the year when we last played Shoalhaven and a lot of the guys have been saying they want to square that off.

"We'll be looking to slow down their pick-and-go game and we also want to attack their line-out because they might be a bit weak there."

Mulready did not disagree with Tolich.

"Our defensive line-out is quite good, but our attacking line-out is not getting the quality ball it should be, so that's probably a fair enough comment by Sean," he said.

"The players said our last game against them was the most physical we've had, and we're expecting another very physical, intense contest.

"Uni are a good side and they've probably under-performed a bit. But they're back on their home ground after losing to Shamrocks and they'll be out to make a statement that they're contenders in this competition."

Meantime, Bowral can knock Vikings out of the final five race by accounting for the Blueys at Eridge Park.

The Blacks resurrected their finals chances in last week's upset of title holders Shamrocks.

Avondale meet Kiama at Gerry Cappetta Oval, while Tech Waratahs clash with Camden at Camden Rugby Park.

© 2008 Illawarra Mercury

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