South Darwin take on University Pirates in top of the table clash with Bunnies looking to make amends for their earlier loss
SOUTH Darwin is fired up ahead of what captain Brett Joyes calls a ‘must-win’ encounter against the unbeaten University Pirates in Round 7 of the Darwin A-grade rugby union competition
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SOUTH Darwin is fired up ahead of what captain Brett Joyes calls a “must-win” encounter against the unbeaten University Pirates in Round 7 of the Darwin A-grade rugby union competition tonight.
The Rabbitohs are still in the hunt for the minor premiership in the shortened 2020 season, but after dropping a game to premiers Darwin Dragons (19-17) last week every game has to be a win.
“It was a good, close game which was a hard-fought physical battle for both sides,” Joyes told the NT News.
“We defended well but our attacking options weren’t as strong as they could have been and we left a few points out there.
“Everyone is pretty fired up and we’re still in the hunt for that top spot, but to get there this is a must-win game.”
The Pirates are still unbeaten in 2020 after holding on for a nailbiting 23-22 victory over Casuarina following an early try flurry, and it will be that early intensity South Darwin will be on the lookout for.
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The return of Jake Rainger in the backs should boost the kicking game the Bunnies need to negate the threat of University’s player-coach Robbie Butcher.
Vincent Mehn also moves back into the backs.
“University play a similar sort of game and will be looking to use Butcher’s kicking game and look to disrupt our play as often as possible,” Joyes said.
“Our defence has been solid, so our focus will be on our decision making and having some patience out there.
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“That was our problem area last week but with Rainger back we should have more playmaking skills on our side in offence.”
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