South Darwin Rabbitohs ‘won’t die wondering’ ahead of clash v Casuarina Cougars in the 2021 Darwin Rugby Union Grand Final

WITH the minor premiership already in its grasp, South Darwin on the charge to claim the 2020-21 Darwin A-grade Rugby Union trophy when it faces off against Casuarina Cougars.

South Darwin’s Jack Horner and Brad Hunt, and Casuarina’s Zach Phillips and Joe Albert. Picture: Glenn Campbell

WITH the minor premiership already in its grasp, South Darwin on the charge to claim the 2020-21 Darwin A-grade Rugby Union trophy when it faces off against Casuarina Cougars.

The Rabbitohs have been the front-running team since the mid-season break, blowing opposition sides aside with intensity up front and pace in the wider channels.

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But it’s been their defence that was most crucial in their minor premiership run with a structure that limits their opposition from getting chances beyond the gain line.

And it’s that steadfast defensive prowess that back-rower Brad Hunt rates as a determining factor in the upcoming grand final battle.

“We’re super excited, this is why you play the game to get into these grand finals,” Hunt said.

“Focus has been getting that consistency around strategy.

“But mainly looking after our bodies and getting ourselves right for this game.

“Our defence has been a key focus for us this season. It’s hard to penetrate our line and we’ve kept a lot of teams to a low score and that defensive shape will be key for us against Cougars.

“Cougars will certainly lift. The intensity will be up, it’s a grand final and no one is going to die wondering what they left on the pitch.”

Captain Vincent Mehn has been a standout for Souths all season, showing his leadership pedigree directing his troops across the field from fly half.

South Darwin's vice-captain Brad Hunt ahead of the clash against Casuarina Cougars in the 2020-21 Darwin Rugby Union Grand Final. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Jone Vakacegu is a constant line break threat finishing the season as the competition’s leading try scorer and will be looking to be an offensive menace once again in the final.

Then the likes of Setefano Cakaunivalu and Tim Anderson have also managed massive seasons for the minor premiers in a side full of firepower up front and out wide.

Coach Jack Horner had plenty of selection headaches with over 30 players qualified for finals.

But he was pleased with the efforts of his entire squad in getting to the big dance.

“For us the hard work was done in the semis and getting that week off,” Horner said. “That was the game to win to rest tired bodies.

“To get that week off has just been fantastic going through some of the skills and drills.

“But really it has allowed the guys to relax and not take any contact for a week.

“For us in this game it’s about playing our own brand of rugby and trying not to focus too heavily on this being a final and trying to take the pressure off the players.

“Everyone has played well to put us into this position throughout the season.

“Though unfortunately some will have to miss out through injury or otherwise.”