After eighteen rounds of #DewarShield action, Semi-Finals are upon us and this weekend’s big matchup sees the number one and two teams square off when Harlequins host Melbourne at Ashwood Reserve. The teams last met in Round 16 when they played out a 10-10 Draw so this Saturday’s game is anyone’s for the taking.
Melbourne Head Coach Tumai Edwards was full of praise for the Minor Premiers, but said the result from the last game has given his team belief that they can topple Harlequins this time around.
“We definitely walked away from that game with a bit of confidence, we created a few try-scoring opportunities in that game that we didn’t finish off.
“We know what they’re capable of and come finals football they always seem to step it up another notch so we’ll be expecting a big game from them at the weekend.
“If we take a backwards step or if we just sit back on our heels for any split-second they’ll cause some damage. It’s going to have to be a full 80-minute performance for us to get the win.”
Harlequins are coming off their first loss of the season but head coach Pom Simona doesn’t think his team is vulnerable.
“It was gutting to get the loss, but in hindsight it was probably a bit of a blessing in disguise. I think the group is really looking for a response. This week at training you can tell there’s a bit of something extra there.”
Melbourne and Harlequins have been the class of the competition all season and have just two losses between them. With both teams so closely matched and so familiar with each other it will be the team that can best execute their game plan that will have the edge, said Edwards.
“In terms of the way both teams play, we have a fair idea. In a Semi-Final you need to go into it with something a bit different to catch them off guard.
“On the day we’ve just got to be aware of what’s in front of us and if we can do the simple things right and execute our game plan we’re hoping we can get the win.
For Harlequins, shutting down Melbourne’s flyhalf – Rebels squad member Mick Snowden – and approaching the game with the right attitude will be key, said Simona.
“There’s nothing in between the two teams so it’ll come down to something very small. It could be one chance that one of us doesn’t take that determines who wins and who has to play again next week.
“Mick Snowden offers a lot, especially his game management. He just lifts everyone else, and at 10 he gets a lot of touches and has a big say in the game; so it will be a challenge for us to look after him and contain everyone else one the field.”
This week’s winner earns a trip straight to the grand-final while the loser gets to try again next week and both head coaches are well aware of the importance of a win on Saturday.
“It’s massive for both teams. In the last couple of years, we’ve been able to win the Semi-Final and that week off gives the players a chance to freshen up. It gives us a chance to tweak, work on things and get ready for the final,” said Simona.
Edwards said the winner this weekend will have the momentum should the teams meet again in the grand-final.
“The first win is definitely a goal for us, especially for the confidence. If we can get the win over Quins this weekend having the week off for preparation going into a grand final will be ideal for us.”
Harlequins (1-15)
Albert Tokahere, Mahe Vailanu, Tom Moloney, Steve Cummins, Murray Douglas, Tangaroa Hosea, Sione Taufa, Simei Kolio, Antonie Van Zyl, Lloyd Johansson, Ahmu Tuimalealiifano, Eli Vole, Leo Taliu, Leo Owade, Rian Olivier
Melbourne (1-15)
Davis Tui, Lindsey Gibson, Ata Manu, Freddie Austin, Craig Charters, Aaron Kelly, Ikapote Tupai, George Crichton, Mick Snowden, Sam Vaevae, Chris Ling, Josh Cocker-Valu, David Massey, Andrew Stevenson, Deina Morete
Source: Rugby News
