Structure and discipline will underpin the game plan of the Griffith Blacks when they host Southern Inland Rugby Union rivals Wagga Waratahs at Coro oval on Saturday.
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The Blacks warmed up for the round seven clash with a 65-19 thrashing of Temora last week, but Griffith co-coach Nick Gleeson admits it wasn’t an ideal preparation.
He said it was difficult to get an accurate read on the Blacks’ form given the strength of the opposition.
“It’s hard to take much out of it when you win like that,” Gleeson said.
“We worked on trying to not lose our discipline when scoring at will and not lose our structures.
“It didn’t really happen all the time, but we’ll try again this week.
“We’ll need our structures this weekend to play a good team like the Waratahs.
“We can’t afford to be making the same mistakes out there.”
Waratahs sit four points behind third-placed Griffith on the ladder, but the long history between the clubs usually means lead-in form is irrelevant.
The last time the fierce rivals played was in the 2014 finals series, the Blacks winning 32-27 before going on to claim the premiership two weeks later.
Griffith could be missing co-coach Matt Vitucci (arm) and Dan Dowson (chest) in the forwards for Saturday’s re-match, but Gleeson is confident the Blacks will have enough grunt up front to handle the visitors.
“We have a pretty good idea what to expect from them,” Gleeson said of Waratahs.
“They’re going to be tough, but we’re expecting to come away with the win if we can stick to our structures.
“That’s going to be the main thing for us when we play them.”
The Blacks will host an old boys’ day at the match and are encouraging former Griffith and Hay players to attend and wear their old memorabilia.
Light refreshments will be provided.
Kick-off in A grade is at 3.15pm.
