Shute Shield 2020: Understrength Students pass their opening exams against Warringah
It seemed fitting that two heavyweights should clash on the opening weekend of an unprecedented Shute Shield season - and Sydney University and Warringah didn’t let anyone down.
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Sydney University may be missing their Super Rugby players but showed they will again be a real force in the Shute Shield with a 36-27 win over Warringah at Rat Park.
It was the match of the day in the long-awaited opening round of the premiership, which had been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The clash was also the showdown between two of the competition heavyweights who met in last year’s grand final, when Uni won 21-16.
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And it was well worth the wait in what was, as expected a very spirited and at times feisty battle between the keen rivals.
“I was happy with the win absolutely,” said University coach Michael Hodge.
“I think we put ourselves under pressure but Warringah really put us under pressure, particularly there when we were down to 14 men (with a player yellow-carded).
“I couldn’t have been happier with our effort, that’s really, really important.
“Our launch wasn’t perfect but when we were under the pump I thought we were really cool and calm.”
And Hodge said after the delay to the season it was a really good way to start.
“We were quick off the deck really early and then there was a little fright in the middle.”
And after contesting the past two grand finals Hodge expects both sides to be there when the whips are cracking at the business end of the season.
“This is the third year so you’ve got to think Warringah will be up there for sure,” Hodge said.
Rival five-eighths Connor O’Shea from Uni and his opposite number Tom Halse were both standouts and very influential figures in the game.
Strict biosecurity measures were in place and all spectators had to book tickets prior to the game.
Staff moved around the grandstand wiping down all hard surfaces and marshals moved around the ground ensuring social distancing was being adhered to by the crowd.
In the games on Saturday, Manly beat the Two Blues 28-5, Southern Districts defeated Eastwood 34-19, Norths had a big 32-3 win over West Harbour and Gordon beat Easts 35-24.
The Hunter Wildfires from Newcastle, who are back playing in the Shute Shield for the first time since 1999, had a tough welcome back going down to Randwick 50-7.
The other returning club, the Penrith Emus has the first round bye and play their first game against Northern Suburbs next weekend.
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Former Wallaby Richard Tombs is predicting unprecedented interest in the Shute Shield this season and it’s not just because fans have been starved of sport during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tombs, a former Waratahs regular in the 1990s who also played Shute Shield with Northern Suburbs, believes the disappointing form of the NSW Waratahs in recent times will send fans back into clubland for their rugby fix.
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Tombs, who lives on Sydney’s northern beaches, also believes the potential return of Waratahs players to the Shute Shield in the second half of the season will be a major boost for the club competition.
“People are very passionate about the Shute Shield and miss it. They miss their weekend fix,” Tombs said.
“It’s generated a lot of groundswell and support the last five, six, seven years ... maybe on the back of the Waratahs not doing so well.
“I think this could be a big season. The Shute Shield has been popular for decades but the chant has become louder in the last two to three years.”
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Super Rugby concludes on September 19, paving the way for top players to return to their clubs for an extra hit of rugby in a year sport has been decimated by coronavirus restrictions.
If the Waratahs fail to make the play-offs, their players could be available to clubs by round eight of the competition.
Tombs, who played for the Wallabies from 1992-1996, was also a Waratahs regular.
“People like to support local. They like the convenience.,” he said.
“Hopefully they will get some of the Waratahs players back to the club level. That’s what we have been crying out for.
“It gives exposure to club players as to what they are up against and something to shoot for. That’s important.
“It’s a great drawcard for supporters and players.”