The Brighton Renault Dewar Shield moves into Round 12 as Box Hill host Melbourne at RHL Sparks Reserve.
We caught up with both sides before their Round 12 clash to hear their thoughts on their sides preparations and what they believe the opposition will bring game day.
Tumai Edwards – Melbourne
How do you feel your side performed against Endeavour in Round 11?
Considering the weather conditions I thought we played quite well, we scored some good team tries off the back of continuous phase play. Endeavour never gave up and really made us work for the win.
What learnings did you take out of your Round 5 match against Box Hill?
Box Hill are dangerous all over the park so you really cant give them to much time and space with the ball.
What do you think Box Hill will bring to the match-up this time round?
Plenty of energy and confidence, home ground advantage and the vocal support they have always increases the teams performance that extra 10%.
Which players do you expect to fire for Box Hill this weekend?
1-23, I think there play maker Michael Moloney is a smart player and controls the game well, Mika Faamausili is playing some good footy lately & on his day can be very hard to control.
Box Hill – Tim Belcher
How do you feel your side performed against Melbourne University in Round 11?
We performed well in certain aspects of our game considering the conditions for most of the game. I thought we muscled up well particularly in the second half. Still a lot to continue to work on and fine tune our game but happy with outcome.
What learnings did you take out of your Round 5 match against Melbourne?
“We came, we saw, we stumbled…” that’s how is summarise our learnings from R5. We were extremely clinical for 30-35 min in the first half, took a 8-0 lead at half time but probably if we honest left 15 points out there. We lost our 10 before half and struggled to stay composed and in shape. Melbourne are a good side, and they throughly deserved the lollies with a great second half fight back. Our discipline also let us down, we need to better upstairs when the pressure takes hold.
What do you think Melbourne will bring to the match-up this time round?
Winning is a habit and currently Melbourne are unbeaten this season. I dare say they are keen to keep that record in check. They are well lead by Tumai Edwards in the Coaching box, a cool customer who prepares well. They will bring a strong set piece which we need to work hard to deal with but if we can then we have the firepower to win the key battles. This game will come down to some key moments, lets see who blinks.
Which players do you expect to fire for Melbourne this weekend?
All of them! This is the game of the season really, for us it’s a massive yard stick to where we sit. This could be a cracker.
Source: Rugby Vic Media Unit / Photo by Kevin Juggins
