Shute Shield 2020: Easts chasing historic Rat Park win v Warringah, Norths v Manly

Easts is chasing a bit of history and Norths a third straight win in matches against Warringah and Manly in round three of the Shute Shield.

Amanda Lulham

@amandalulham

less than 2 min read

July 29, 2020 - 4:45PM

Manly Daily

Warringah scrum in front of a packed stand at Rat Park last season. Pic: Karen Watson

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More than a decade of history and a Warringah side intent on returning to the top half of the competition ladder stands between Eastern Suburbs collecting a crucial win at Rat Park this Saturday.

The northern beaches host two games of Shute Shield this weekend with Manly taking on competition leaders Norths at Manly Oval.

Easts coach Pauli Taumoepeau has been delving into the archives to find out the last time his club was able to take a win off Warringah at their home fortress at Rat Park.

Easts coach Pauli Taumoepeau has been looking at the history of the club. Pic: Supplied

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“I can’t find an East’s win at Rat Park for 10 years,” he said.

“It was definitively before 2011, our stats guys reckons it was 2008.”

Taumoepeau said he was relishing the chance to end the long drought in front of one of the most passionate crowds in club rugby.

“We can definitely do to. I wouldn’t put the boys on the bus if I didn’t think they can do it,” he said.

“It will be hard beating the Rats at Rat Park. It’s a privilege to go there to play because of their crowds passion. It is very hard to win there.”

The grand final replay was played at Rat Park in the opening round of the Shute Shield.

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Last year’s runners-up are without a win after two rounds of Shute Shield.

“They are 0-2 so will be fired up,” Taumoepeau said.

In the other game on the northern beaches, Manly will host a Norths side yet to have a try scored against them.

“It is a big game for both teams. This is their toughest game so far and we have to have a win,” said Manly coach Matt McGoldrick.

Manly defeated the Two Blues in round one but fell to competition champions Sydney University 10-6 last Saturday.

Round Three

Warringah v Eastern Suburbs, Pittwater Rugby Park, 3pm

Manly v Norths, Manly Oval, 3pm