Shute Shield 2020: Eastern Suburbs rugby out to end club rugby title drought
No excuse is the mantra at Eastern Suburbs rugby as they head into the 2020 Shute Shield with a team missing a host of players from 2019 but determined to win for the first time since 1969.
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SHUTE SHIELD 2020: Draw, TV, teams
No excuse is the mantra from Easts as they head into the 2020 Shute Shield with a team missing a host of players from last season but the determination to claim the famed club rugby trophy for the first time since 1969.
Easts head coach Pauli Taumoepeau said the mass exodus will see a “new age” start at a club be firmly believes can go all the way in this year’s shortened competition.
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“It’s pretty young, slash. newish. We had some old heads retire last year,” said the former Easts and Sydney University loose forward.
“We lost from our first grade team nine players including our captain.
“It marks a new age for us. We lost quite a bit of experience but it’s been good to see the young guys step into some leadership roles.”
Taumoepeau has set the bar high for his players this season.
“We have no excuses for us to keep failing. We haven’t won this since 1969. We have had some great East’s teams who have come up short,” Taumoepeau said.
“In recent years there just hadn’t been the real belief from the playing group.
“I think they have lacked the belief needed.
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“There is no excuse. I truly believe we can win this thing.
“Now it’s convincing the players. They are almost there.
“It’s about believing and then executing. Executing is different from believing.”
The Beasties play a trial match against reigning Shute Shield champions Sydney Uni at their home ground on July 11.
Their opening match of the season is against Gordon at Chatswood Oval.
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