City v Country rugby: tough, physical battle predicted by coaches in U18s

The coaches have their say ahead of the City v Country under 18 junior rugby clash this weekend. Here’s what they think will happen.

NSW's Freddie Toone in action against the ACT at the recent 48th Australian School Rugby Championships at Knox.

The outcome is up for grabs but one thing City coach Murray Hooper knows heading into the City v Country under 18 battle at Bathurst on Sunday is that Country will be up for the contest.

Fierce, close and tough is how Hooper is expecting the game to play out on Sunday.

“It’s always a tough game and Country always lift to play the City guys,” he said.

“They thrive on giving us a big challenge.

U16, U18 Players to watch

City young gun working to fast-track rugby career

How gun helped reignite teens rugby passion

NSW's Charlie Sorovi playing against ACT recently. Pi: John Appleyard

“They are motivated. This is their opportunity to beat the City boys. There’s always a perception they (City teams) get together easier and have more time together.”

As determined as Country are, the City players have their own motivations, including ending the season without a loss.

“This is their last game and so far they are undefeated,” Hooper said.

“But we have a lot of injuries, eight boys have been ruled out already.’’

NSW's Samu Tuisau.

On the injury list is Illawarra’s Jackson Ropata who has suffered a medial ligament injury.

“He was our vice-captain so he will be missed,” Hooper said.

Country coach Mike Hayes is forecasting a State of Origin-like stoush with City.

“I think it’s going to be a great game, not too dissimilar to what we saw in the last (rugby league) State of Origin,” he said.

“When you play for country you wear the jersey with pride.

“They seem to grow an extra leg when playing for Country and we will try and tap into that.”

NSW's Jack Donaghey playing against ACT recently at the Australian School Rugby Championships.

Hayes said a lack of time with his charges will see him adopt a simple game plan.

“We will have a simple game plan because we have a little disadvantage and we can’t get together like some other teams,” he said.

“There’s no point in us reinventing the wheel.

“We will also going to camp on the Saturday morning at 10am so we can spend some time on our scrums and sit piece.’’

MORE RUGBY

Sister act at City v Coutnry

From club rugby to Commonwealth Games

Teenage Next Generation Wallabies ready to impress

Wallaby legends daughter making mark

Schoolboy son of a gun making mark