Tight match expected as Darwin Dragons take on University Pirates in knock out semi-final
THE Dragons are expecting a tight encounter against University Pirates, with both sides looking to keep their Darwin Rugby Union trophy hopes alive, while South Darwin and Casuarina will compete in the major semi-final.
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THE Dragons are expecting a tight encounter against University Pirates, with both sides looking to keep their Darwin Rugby Union trophy hopes alive, while South Darwin and Casuarina will compete in the major semi-final on Saturday.
Darwin suffered a 36-0 defeat to minor premiers the Rabbitohs in the final round of the Darwin A-grade rugby union regular season.
Reigning premiers the Dragons have plenty of finals pedigree despite finishing fourth, winning their previous two premierships without dominating the regular season.
Coach Puru Westrupp feels his side can win another title, but added his players need to get the one-percenters right to do so.
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“The game against Souths didn’t go as we were hoping. But for us it’s now about finals and getting those little things right,” Westrupp told the NT News.
“I thought we defended well for the most part but we need to play an 80-minute game and (we) didn’t achieve that against Souths.
“Heading into finals we just need to get our combos right and get the one-percenters right, while keeping our mistakes to a minimum.”
The Dragons and their knockout semi-final opponents, University Pirates, have exchanged tight games throughout the season.
Pirates boast talisman Robbie Butcher and captain Ben Parkes, who is also showing strong form.
Captain Drew Tobin will be crucial to the Dragons’ game plan because of his finals experience and leadership.
Nigel Maher will direct the squad across the field, with the well-known Dragons forwards expected to fire in the set piece.
“We’ve played Pirates a couple of times and they’re usually close, tight games so I don’t see that being much different here,” Westrupp said.
“They’re a mobile side that can score from anywhere. They have good halves and can attack well but I don’t see them being too different from last time we faced them.
“We need to have a solid performance from our set pieces and will look to our midfield and defence to really pull it together.”
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Meanwhile, South Darwin and Casuarina will meet in the major semi-final, fighting for a direct passage into the grand final.
The Rabbitohs boast the minor premiership title, but it was the Cougars who won 18-17 in their previous encounter.
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